ISSN: 1391 - 0531
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Vol. 41 - No 40
Financial Times  

Callous employers of the differently abled

My daughter has virtually lost faith in humanity. The indifference, lack of empathy and callous attitude of some of the persons who have interviewed her has shattered her morale. Some CEO’s, HR Managers and Directors have told her that in her present state she cannot be considered and in some instances not even offered her a seat.

The predicament of the differently abled and the indifference of society and employers in particular towards this social problem is a serious issue. While letters and articles have regularly been published in the newspapers and various institutions and etablishments have commented on this intricate social problem and also asserted that it should be pursued as a “Corporate Social Responsibility” most institutions regrettably have adopted a rather nonchalant attitude.

I am adequately aware of the numerous cases of persons seeking employment who have been discriminated essentially on the ground of physical disability.

My daughter’s experience has been traumatic. A qualified accountant of 34 years, married with one child, she sustained severe injuries in an unfortunate car accident six years ago when the car went off the road.

Whilst she recovered after treatment in Sri Lanka and abroad and her mental faculties are perfect, there is a slight disfigurement of her face despite extensive plastic surgery and she also uses a crutch to get about. While she can perform her professional accounting and allied duties without any impediment, no employer is ready to offer her a job.

Since she was on part time employment before the accident because she was nursing an infant daughter after the accident, her services were subtly terminated.

After recovery she has attended over 35 interviews without success. While applying she makes it a point to say she is after an accident and with a slight disability assuring that it will not be an impediment and will not impede the performance of her duties. However when she appears for the selection interview she is discriminated only on the grounds of her slight disability.

From the moment she walks in for the interview she knows from the body language of the interviewer that there is no hope.

My daughter has virtually lost faith in humanity. The indifference, lack of empathy and callous attitude of some of the persons who have interviewed her has shattered her morale. Some CEO’s, HR Managers and Directors have told her that in her present state she cannot be considered and in some instances not even offered her a seat.

This callous attitude by HR Managers in particular has been deplorable.

At one particular interview when my daughter painstakingly explained that her present disability would not affect the performance of her duties the interviewer asked her “What about domestic work ? Does it affect your sex life?” My daughter walked away in utter disgust. I must state emphatically that this letter is neither for sympathy or an attempt to obtain employment for my daughter but to make the readers aware of the trials and tribulations of the employable disabled. I am certain that many other disabled persons may have experienced this type of frustration and humiliation in seeking employment.

Despite the assurances of the Labour Minister and the National Disability Policy regrettably no tangible action has been taken to help the disabled to obtain employment.

Except for the Employers Federation of Sri Lanka which I am aware has been continuously trying to impress upon its corporate members of the obligation to help the disabled, the Sri Lanka Institute of Personnel Management and the various chambers of trade and commerce etc. have failed to do anything. In fact The Sri Lanka Institute of Personnel Management has totally ignored this problem.

While I sought the advice and assistance of the institute some time ago it was totally indifferent and failed to understand the seriousness of the problem.

On behalf of the numerous other disabled but employable persons who like my daughter may be struggling to secure some gainful employment. I appeal to the government and social service organizations to initiate some meaningful action. Regrettably most NGO’s operating in this country do not believe in the concept of “Equal Opportunities.”

At present these unfortunate persons who are openly discriminated may be asking themselves where are the equal opportunities that are so talked about? Why is this callous attitude? Apart from depriving them of employment, why are they humiliated and embarrassed?

We cannot boast about our achievements, economic and social advancements, about our rising income levels and industrialization if we continue to neglect this section of society and their families who must share their suffering.

A frustrated and disappointed mother

 
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Copyright 2007 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka.