By Rachelle Vartanian

Guest Columnist

Work is a fundamental part of life, providing not only financial security but also a sense of purpose, social connection, and personal fulfillment. It’s what keeps society moving. Without it, there would be no commerce, no education, no production, and no cultural progress. Simply put, work is essential for individuals and for civilization as a whole.

But while work may be a given for many of us, finding employment is not always easy, especially for individuals with mental or physical disabilities. This is why National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed every October, is so important. It shines a light on the barriers that people with disabilities face in the workforce and reminds us of the untapped potential that exists within this community.

At Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville, we work with neurodiverse individuals every day, helping them develop job skills and find meaningful employment. We’ve seen firsthand how much they can contribute when given the opportunity, but there is still much more to be done.

One of the biggest obstacles to employment for people with disabilities is the stigma that persists in many workplaces. While initiatives promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have made some headway, too many businesses remain reluctant to hire individuals who are perceived as “different.”

The challenge for organizations like ours is convincing companies to give these individuals a chance. Through our programs, we educate and train businesses to understand the value that neurodiverse employees bring to the table. When done right, hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just an act of inclusion, it’s a true win-win situation for both employer and employee.

A significant part of the challenge is overcoming the fear of the unknown. Many employers hesitate to hire people with disabilities because they’re unsure of how it will work in practice. They have concerns about accommodations, productivity, and fitting into the company culture. These are valid concerns, but they are often based on misconceptions rather than reality.

In fact, employers who have taken the step to hire neurodiverse individuals typically find these employees to be some of the most dedicated, reliable, and hardworking members of their team. A great example is in the manufacturing sector, where repetitive tasks are common. Neurodiverse employees often excel at such tasks, performing them with consistency and precision. They appreciate routine and are more than willing to take on roles that others might find monotonous.

In addition to strong job performance, employers frequently report a positive impact on overall workplace morale. Working alongside colleagues with disabilities helps foster empathy and understanding, often leading to unexpected friendships and a more inclusive company culture.

The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2022, over half of Michigan’s residents with disabilities were not employed, according to Source America. Only 25.6% of working-age adults with disabilities in Michigan held full-time, year-round jobs, and for those with cognitive disabilities, that number drops even further to 21.2%. Despite some progress, individuals with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce.

At Living and Learning, we’ve seen that this gap is not due to a lack of ability or desire to work. It’s often due to a lack of opportunity and awareness on the part of employers. That’s why we are so committed to partnering with businesses, helping them understand how to create an accommodating and welcoming environment for non-traditional employees.

We encourage more employers to explore the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. The rewards are clear. Employers get dedicated, reliable workers, and employees gain the sense of purpose and independence that comes with meaningful employment.

The more we can expose employers to the potential of the disabled workforce, the more everyone stands to gain. Opening the door to neurodiverse and other non-traditional employees is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that can enhance your company culture and workforce.

Let’s continue working toward more inclusive and diverse workforces.

Rachelle Vartanian is Founder and President of Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville. Living and Learning’s programs and services address issues that impact the neurodiverse community.