a differently abled life.

Being a working professional with an invisible disability poses a very unique set of challenges. Searching for equity is complicated because people are quick to dismiss you when you “look normal” (as has been the reaction from various supervisors and human resource teams). You hope that mechanisms set in place to protect you such as an EEO office will help guide and protect you, but often they side towing the company line and you are left out on that limb on your own – asking for help, vulnerable and afraid.

I have been able to succeed at my job since the pandemic started because of telework. I was able to allow my work to speak for itself. My office was not given the opportunity to see my disability – remote work leveled the playing field. For once, I did not have to worry about ableism or letting my disability define my work identity. I was able to be successful and feel successful because telework provided equity. 

Many office are returning to the office on either a part-time or full-time basis. Most making these decisions unilaterally without careful consideration to the all too often silent minority – the disabled. This carte blanche return to work concept for many of us has been a painful reminder that we must fight and struggle to be allowed to do our jobs – jobs we can and have successfully done with the tools in our home environments that ensure full efficiency and preserve our quality of life…

I would venture to guess I am not alone in these feelings – disabled person begging to be seen and accepted for who I am. Having to explain myself, prove myself – showcasing the talent I bring to the table, advocating for disability rights and even simple awareness.

Each person is unique, each disability is unique, and each person’s needs to their disability are unique. Many employers frame the failure to accommodate as not wanting to give anyone “special treatment.” Equality means giving everyone the same amount of help. Equity means giving everyone the help they need to be at the same level.

For example, if we were all at a dinner table – and one person was diabetic, one lactose intolerant, one gluten free, one vegan – while giving each person a slice of combination pizza is equality, you would leave the majority out of being able to actually participate in the meal. But if they each got a meal of equal value tailored to their dietary needs, you not only provided equality, you provided equity.

Without Equity, Equality is Ableism.