This was a short interview with Kelly Bron Johnson, an Accessibility & Inclusive Workplace Consultant, based in Montreal and founder of compinclus.ca, an organization focused on workers with disability and helping businesses become more inclusive to people with disabilities.

Why companies should hire workers with disability?

People with disabilities:

1. Take fewer absence days
2. Are more aware and conscientious of safety in the workplace
3. Reduce turnover. Disable people have a greater sense of loyalty to employers who have accommodated them.
4. Feel a greater loyalty to the company
5. Help reach a new customer base
6. Are highly educated

Disable people are a great talent pool of skilled workers. Unfortunately, they are paid less for the same work as non-disabled people. Also, they are less likely to hold management positions. Employers are missing out on the great potential offered by disabled people.

Kelly’s mission is to help disabled people become a more integrated part of the working team and to help corporations take advantage of this employment opportunity.

It’s not expensive to offer an inclusive workplace

According to Kelly, many workplaces don’t require special accommodations, but for those places where accommodations are necessary, the average one-time expenditure is about $500.

It doesn’t require much expertise

For example, if an employee is in a wheelchair, the only thing required is a ramp for a wheelchair. Most of the time the solutions to welcome someone are quite unsophisticated.

It’s not charity, it’s a win-win proposition

Hiring disabled people is not an act of charity, it’s taking advantage of an under-used and mispriced workforce, it makes good business sense. People want to work and businesses want a reliable workforce, smart employers will notice this labor force opportunity and they will have an advantage over other businesses.

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