Jean-Pierre: Employers Should Prioritize Abilities Over Disabilities in Hiring

In October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by spotlighting people with disabilities who are out in the workforce.

Elcana Jean-Pierre

My name is Elcana Jean-Pierre. Miami is my hometown, but I was born in Haiti. Currently, I work at the Advocacy Network on Disabilities as a consultant.

The Advocacy Network on Disabilities advocates, plans, provides, and coordinates services benefiting people with developmental and other disabilities. They are committed to providing quality supports and services based on a family’s unique needs and making sure lawmakers are aware of the needs for additional services and funds to support them.

In addition to working with clients my employer brings together other organizations in our community to host public and professional educational development activities to benefit people with disabilities in South Florida. My previous employment includes working as an intern for MUJER, an agency that provides comprehensive services to victims of sexual abuse.

When I’m not working, I find great enjoyment dining out and watching films with family and friends. Reading and listening to music are also among my favorite pastimes. Helping others is a passion of mine and spending quality time with my son brings me happiness. I am a Partners in Policy-Making graduate and received PIP's Alan C. Wesley Award.

Employers: Advocacy Network on Disabilities & MUJER

Position: Consultant & Case Worker

Duties and Responsibilities: I handle case management and refer families to Vocational Rehabilitation and Agency for Persons with Disabilities services. I provide counselling, advocacy, and help clients access resources.

Years on the job: 3

What is the best advice or encouragement you’d give to a fellow self-advocate about accessing or keeping employment? It is important to seek employment in areas that are truly interesting to you. Self-advocacy is a factor relevant in workplace environments. Before searching for a job, take the time to research the requirements, including education, work experience, skills, licenses, certifications, accreditation, specific knowledge, physical abilities, personal traits, attributes, and language proficiency. Everyone requires support; it is vital to seek out the support you need for yourself.

What advice would you give employers about hiring a person with a disability? Employers should prioritize skills and abilities over disabilities when hiring new employees. It is crucial that employers work to eliminate bias, ableism, and discrimination before interviewing candidates with disabilities. Participating in training focused on effective hiring strategies and understanding the benefits of an inclusive workforce fosters fairness and diversity in the workplace.

In your opinion, how does employing a person with a disability help their quality of life? Employment enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing financial security, boosting self-esteem, and increasing self-worth. Companies benefit as well, as research consistently shows that employees with disabilities have higher retention rates than their non-disabled peers. Employing people with disabilities promotes workplace accommodation, supports work-life balance, and strengthens company culture and innovation.

What’s the most important employment-related challenge you face as a person with a disability? One of the challenges I faced was struggling to find work due to concerns about losing my benefits. Additionally, I was unsure whether potential jobs would accommodate my needs. I was not aware of the resources available to support me in my job search, which made the process even more intimidating.

Which agency (VR, APD, CIL, etc.) was the most helpful to you in accessing and maintaining employment? Both Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) have assisted me with finding employment. VR provided significant support in accessing and maintaining employment, including assistance with post-education opportunities and assistive technology for the workplace.

How should we be advocating for better employment opportunities and practices in Florida? Advocacy and education help employers understand disabilities and appreciate accommodations. Working with agencies like VR and APD is instrumental in educating employers about the available support. Contacting local and state governments can help initiate educational courses and legislation focused on hiring people with disabilities. Continuous training and advocacy are necessary to ensure that workplaces are open, accessible, and welcoming to all.

Florida Self-Advocacy Central would like to thank Elcana for her time and thoughtful answers.