5 parameters to measure disabled-friendliness of companies DR KETNA L MEHTA AND DHAVAL MEHTA | 31/03/2016 03:20 PM | 46272 There are scores of good and not-so-good examples of companies in India when it comes to employing people with disabilities. Here are five broad parameters with specific measures for developing a Company Index for being disabled-friendly Ninad Jain, 27 years old was elated to finally get a job with a business process outsourcing (BPO) unit making him both financially independent, as well as, a proud son who could take care of his ageing parents like other youngsters. When Nitin was barely 12 years, doctors discovered tuberculosis (TB) in his spine, which had to be surgically treated. TB was cured but it resulted in a spinal cord injury, a permanent disability making it difficult for him to walk without support. After an arduous rehabilitation and adjusting to the new reality, he could study only up to 10th standard. Thus, his chances of a good job eluded him due to his poor academic qualifications. Being a bright boy he self-learnt computer skills, applied for jobs and finally landed this plum one in a multi-national, multi-location BPO. As a non-governmental organisation (NGO), we had supported him in his rehabilitation journey and he had joyously shared this good news with us. Therefore, it was a surprise to hear his feeble voice on the first day of his new job. He narrated that the distance from the elevator on his floor up to his desk was more than 300 yards and the washroom another 150 yards. He used crutches to walk. Due to high air conditioning, he frequently needed to go the washroom. But each trip was over slippery glazed tiles. He consulted us and we suggested that the company station a wheelchair on the floor for his use while in the office. The next day he called again stating that the human resources (HR) department had declined the suggestion and said if he needed a wheelchair he had to get his own, and the company would not provide it. We were stumped. A multi-million dollar company refusing to buy a Rs5,000 worth of wheelchair for the benefit of a disabled employee. Our NGO bought and gave the wheelchair to Ninad knowing how important this job was for his self-confidence and esteem! There are scores of good and not-so-good examples of companies in India when it comes to employing people with disabilities. In 2015, India launched the ambitious ‘Accessible India Campaign’ and with it a hint of developing a Company Index for being Disabled-friendly. Having been closely connected with the disability sector for over 20 years I gave the above an immersive thought and here are my novel suggestions for the proposed index. There could be five broad parameters with specific measures for the Index: 1) Policy I. Recruitment, employment and diversity II. Flexiwork, flexi timings and work from home options III. Advertising IV. Corporate V. Quality VI. Training and Development VII. Inclusive products and service VIII. Stakeholders and suppliers IX. Electronic X. Number of PWD (People with disability) in the past 3 years, the 3% reservations notwithstanding XI. Medical and leave options XII. Ease of converting a new idea for the benefit of employee with disability XIII. Policy for being disabled on the job 2) Infrastructure I. Accessible Buildings II. Accessible offices & all facilities III. Accessible Toilets IV. Elevators V. Ramps VI. Signage VII. Special parking VIII. Wheelchairs on premises IX. Accessible websites X. Special software XI. Sign language interpreters XII. Trained staff on all aspects of disability and etiquette XIII. Customisation as per specific needs XIV. Company information in accessible formats (Braille Annual Reports etc.) 3) Financials I. Compensation II. Incentives III. Promotions and transfers IV. Investments for making it a disabled friendly company V. CSR contribution for the disability sector VI. Budgetary allocations VII. Insurance for accidents and disability 4) Equal Opportunities for I. Participating in National & International conferences, workshops & seminars II. Growth & Promotions III. Travel IV. Projects V. Participation in all company core and extra-curricular activities like Yoga, dance, sports, festivals, outbound and more 5) Innovations I. Attendant and escort services II. Celebrate with PWD NGOs and groups III. Ergonomics IV. Motorised and manual wheelchairs on premises V. Travel allowance VI. Special allowances like diaper allowance VII. Medicines, medical supplies, diagnostics, assistive technology and therapy allowances for good health VIII. Scholarships for employees, family members with disability IX. Awards received for being inclusive X. New product developed for PWDs There are some 'super' employees who put their health, family or social life aside to bring results and outcomes consistently at the workplace, overcoming several personal and organisational speed-bumps to excel in their jobs translating into higher profits, bigger contracts, saving a customer from defecting or upgrading the quality of output. Similarly, there are 'super' companies, which think and act futuristically, adopting the parameters mentioned above and walking together for a wonderful tomorrow! Source http://www.moneylife.in/article/5-parameters-to-measure-disabled-friendliness-of-companies/46272.html
-- m. sivakumar. P.hd. International Institute of Tamil Studies CIT Campus, 2nd Main Road, Tharamani, Chennai, 600113 We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
