DISPELLING THE MYTHS, ADVANCING THE FACTS

• People with Disabilities are much more likely to be unemployed or out of the workforce than the general population. 
• Employers face similar challenges in recruiting persons with disabilities.
• Linking and supporting both ends of the equation will result in multiple dividends for the company. 

"Guide: From Disabilities to Possibilities. A guide to hiring, training retaining persons with disabilities" (2007). Link-up Employment Services.

Watch the video of "Johnny the Bagger" A young man who changes the culture of grocery stores by adding value to business.

MYTH 1
Providing access accommodation is difficult and expensive.
"Guide: From Disabilities to Possibilities. A guide to hiring, training retaining persons with disabilities" (2007). Link-up Employment Services.

FACT:
BREAKDOWN OF COSTS TO ACCOMMODATE

• 56% cost $500.00
• 28% cost $501.00 to $1000.00
• 16% cost more than $1000.00
• 0.2% cost more than $5000.00
  "Guide: From Disabilities to Possibilities. A guide to hiring, training retaining persons with disabilities" (2007). Link-up Employment Services.

MYTH 2
People with disabilities do not work well and take more sick days.
"Guide: From Disabilities to Possibilities. A guide to hiring, training retaining persons with disabilities" (2007). Link-up Employment Services.

FACT

• Studies show that 90% of persons with disabilities rated average or better on job performance than their fellow colleagues.
• 86% rated having higher attendance records.

Studies from DuPont, Royal Bank of Canada

• Staff retention is 72% higher among persons with disabilities, saving millions of dollars each year in recruitment and training costs.

"Guide: From Disabilities to Possibilities. A guide to hiring, training retaining persons with disabilities" (2007). Link-up Employment Services.

MYTH 3
I can't hire or fire a person with a disability.
Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons.

FACT

• While there are laws in place that serve to protect persons with disabilities, there are no special practices or procedures for firing or disciplining persons with disabilities.

Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons.

MYTH 4
You have been careful when you're talking to a person with a disability, because they are easily offended if you use the wrong word.
"Changing attitudes: Common Myths About People with Disabilities and the Reality (2007)." Ministry of Community and Social Services.

FACT

• You just need to be as polite and respectful as you would when speaking to anyone.
• If you're not sure what to say or do, it's okay to ask. 

"Changing attitudes: Common Myths About People with Disabilities and the Reality (2007)." Ministry of Community and Social Services.

MYTH 5
People with disabilities are brave and courageous.
"Changing attitudes: Common Myths About People with Disabilities and the Reality (2007)." Ministry of Community and Social Services.

FACT

• Adjusting to a disability requires adapting to a lifestyle, not bravery and courage.

"Changing attitudes: Common Myths About People with Disabilities and the Reality (2007)." Ministry of Community and Social Services.

MYTH 6
"Individuals with disabilities don't have the education I need."
Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons.

FACT

Over half of individuals with disabilities have high school diplomas and over a third have post-secondary diplomas. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada reports that, overall, combining university, college and trades, Canadian adults with disabilities are about two thirds as likely to have a post-secondary education as adults without disabilities.

Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons.

For more dispelling myths and advancing the facts visit http://www.gnb.ca/0048/PCSDP/PDF/Myth%20Busters%20ENG.pdf