Diversity is being embraced by most institutions–in the workplace, on the university campus, and in the military. Increasingly, diversity is regarded as a strength.

Americans are now realizing that diversity is essentially like a tapestry; individual pieces that are combined to form a single work of art whose beauty lies in its differences. However, a key element of this beautiful tapestry of diversity has historically been omitted.

It is highly unlikely that the resentment of people with disabilities has caused this group to be omitted. Rather, the disabled community is usually just forgotten when it comes to naming examples of diverse groups.

This is the result of the non-disabled community absorbing decades of myths and misinformation. The notion that people with disabilities cannot function, and instead should be pitied and sheltered, is still prevalent today.

Conversely, people with disabilities, America’s largest minority (50 million nationwide), want to be a part of the diversity dialogue. They want to chair board meetings, volunteer in their 
communities and contribute to the workforce. In fact, out of an estimated 63% of people with disabilities that are unemployed, 72% said in a recent study that they want to work.

It makes sense to include this group in diversity discussions not only because of their size, but because disability cuts across all lines. Each gender, racial, and ethnic group is affected by disability. People with disabilities can easily relate to other groups seeking inclusion because the disabled are a part of each group.

Including the disabled community in diversity discussions strengthens the quality of applicants available to employers. It also increases the awareness of those who impact their communities daily, like educators, elected officials, and community-based agencies.

Organizations can strike a powerful blow to the decades-long myths by heightening awareness of disability issues. Even more crucial is the inclusion of people with disabilities in efforts to diversity offices and boardrooms, committees, and focus groups. Increased representation leads to increased awareness which, for people with disabilities, will lead to improved access to education and employment. A better quality of life for the disabled is a better quality of life for us all.

Based on an unknown author from the Access Center of San Diego, Inc., Disability Sensitivity Training, (619) 293-3500, (619) 293-7757 (TDD)