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 is what makes society in motion. Without it, there would be no trade, education, production and cultural progress. Simply put, work is essential to individuals and to civilization as a whole.

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

At the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in Northville, we work with neurodiverse individuals every day, helping them develop their job skills and find meaningful employment. I’ve seen firsthand how much they can contribute when they have the opportunity, but there’s still a lot to do.

One of the biggest obstacles to employing people with disabilities is the stigma that persists in many workplaces. While initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have made progress, too many companies remain reluctant to hire people who are perceived as “different”.

The challenge for organizations like ours is to convince companies to give these individuals a chance. Through our programs, we educate and train companies to understand the value that neurodiverse employees bring to the table. When done right, hiring people with disabilities is not 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 are not sure how it will work in practice. They have concerns about accommodation, productivity and integration 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 workplace 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, more than half of Michigan residents with disabilities were not employed, according to Source America. Only 25.6 percent 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 percent. Despite some progress, people with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce.

At Living and Learning, we have seen that this gap is not due to a lack of ability or willingness to work. It is often due to a lack of opportunities and awareness on the part of employers. That’s why we’re so committed to working with companies, helping them understand how to create a friendly and welcoming environment for non-traditional employees.

We encourage more employers to explore the benefits of employing people with disabilities. The rewards are clear. Employers get dedicated and 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 benefits. Opening the door to neurodiverse and other non-traditional employees is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that can improve your company culture and workforce.

Let’s continue to work towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Rachelle Vartanian is founder and president of the Northville Center for Enriching Life and Learning. Living and Learning programs and services address issues affecting the neurodiverse community.