“A Chance to See Disabilities as Assets”

Last week, The New York Times ran a piece by Peggy Klaus titled, “A Chance to See Disabilities as Assets.” Ms. Klaus recently gave a lecture at the University of California, Berkeley to students with disabilities in its Disabled Students Program. These students, like those I work with at Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, are educated, engaged and ready to enter the workforce.

However, we all know it’s tough to find – and keep – a job. For students with disabilities, the challenges are even greater. According to the article, the percentage of people with disabilities who are employed is 17.9 percent, compared to 63.7 percent for people without disabilities.

What Ms. Klaus discovers is that people with disabilities are uniquely positioned to succeed in today’s current job market. Often a student’s very condition – and their ability to use creative problem solving skills at managing daily life – can demonstrate how well they will be able to adapt to the workplace. The student also must take the initiative in proactively addressing the concerns of prospective employers.

Here in the Midwest, there are a number of elements coming together that point to improvements in not just the economy, but the future of disabled students. The Bowen Center’s Disability Project is providing similar mentoring and coaching to students. At the same time, our state’s capital city is one of the most accessible in the nation, with generations of city leaders who have exercised a strong commitment to access and inclusion.

On the heels of the Super Bowl, which went the full mile to provide fans with disabilities accessible accommodations, I firmly believe we are poised for improving this very critical economic disparity. Ms. Klaus also agrees, closing her article with the following:

“If more of us can see disability as both a challenge and an asset, the nation will be well on the way to fully using the job skills of all of its citizens.”

How the Super Bowl's Accessible Accomodations Benefit Everyone

As we get closer to game day, I'm particularly energized by the work I've been doing for the National Football League to ensure people with disabilities are able to attend and enjoy the Super Bowl. Creating this inclusive opportunity for people with disabilities gives them more choices when it comes to how they spend their disposable income.

At any point in time, an individual could find they need accessible accommodations, whether it's a parent pushing a stroller or a Baby Boomer facing knee pain. These circumstances may slow us down, but accessible accommodations allow us to fully enjoy and participate in the experience at hand. That might be a visit to The Children's Museum or the Super Bowl. It's an important illustration of how people with disabilities - and those facing similar conditions - add to our collective economic bottom line.

"The Economics of Inclusion"

This week’s The Indiana Lawyer highlights the progress Indianapolis has made in the areas of access and inclusion, which ultimately will play a key role during the Super Bowl. I’m pleased to have been a part of this effort, particularly because of the efforts of the members of the host committee’s ADA Disability Inclusion Subcommittee. I’m even more pleased to have served with the fine members of our team, and I hope you take a few minutes to read about them in the article.

Finally, the article touches on a key point: generations of city leaders have made an unprecedented commitment to enhancing access and inclusion. These leaders brought on talented individuals like Peter Bisbecos and Juli Paini to manage such challenging and rewarding work. I’m immensely proud of them as our city – and its accessible features and programs – are today shining on an international stage.