How Persons With Disabilities can Increase their Employability

In today’s competitive job market, many people face challenges in securing meaningful employment. However, for persons with disabilities, the hurdles can often feel steeper, from societal biases to inaccessible workplaces. Despite these barriers, there are numerous strategies that persons with disabilities can adopt to enhance their employability and stand out to potential employers.

Focusing on skill development, leveraging assistive technologies, and advocating for workplace inclusivity, are some ways that persons with disabilities can proactively take to not only increasing their chances of employment but also succeeding in their chosen careers.

This article explores practical ways for persons with disabilities to improve employability, providing insights and resources that can help open doors to new opportunities.

1. Education and Training

• Inclusive Education Programs: Utilize inclusive education programs offered by institutions like Kenyatta University, which has specific initiatives to support students with disabilities. Additionally, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions can be helpful.
• Government-Funded Training: The Kenyan government, through the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), often funds higher education for students with disabilities. These could help students struggling to finance their own education.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Organizations like the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), Light for the World, Sightsavers, Riziki Source Action Network for the Disabled (ANDY) and others offer training programs and workshops focused on employability and skill development.

2. Leveraging Assistive Technology

• Local Adaptation of Technology: Utilize locally available assistive technologies. For example, the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) offers resources on how to use assistive devices effectively.
• Digital Skills Training: Programs like Ajira Digital are tailored to teach digital skills and offer online job opportunities. These programs are increasingly being adapted to include persons with disabilities.

3. Networking and Professional Development

• Disability-Focused Networks: Engage with networks such as the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), which advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities and often has connections with potential employers.
• Mentorship Programs: Participate in mentorship programs provided by organizations thar connects persons with disabilities to professionals in their fields of interest.
• Attending Job Fairs and Workshops: Disability Inclusivity Career Fair provide a platform to connect with employers who are actively seeking to hire persons with disabilities.

4. Enhancing Soft Skills

• Communication and Advocacy Training: Programs offered by organizations such as Light for the World focus and the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) on training persons with disabilities in communication and self-advocacy, which are crucial in the workplace.
• Volunteer and Internship Opportunities: Consider internships or volunteer work in NGOs or companies that support disability inclusion, such as Safaricom, which has an established program for employees with disabilities.

5. Advocacy and Self-Promotion

• Self-Advocacy: Learn to advocate for yourself in the workplace, including requesting necessary accommodations and being transparent about your needs.
• Personal Branding: Build a personal brand that highlights your strengths, skills, and experiences. This can include creating a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Resume and Interview Preparation: Tailor your resume to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Practice interview skills, especially in articulating how you can add value to potential employers.

6. Government Support and Legislation

• Understanding Rights and Policies: Familiarize yourself with the Persons with Disabilities Act and the National Disability Policy, which provide a framework for protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.
• Access Government Grants: The Kenyan government offers grants and funds through NCPWD to support small businesses run by persons with disabilities. This can also include financial support for training or starting a business.

7. Entrepreneurship

• Youth Enterprise Fund and Uwezo Fund: These government initiatives provide funding and support for young entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities. Starting a small business can be a viable option for those facing barriers to traditional employment.
• Business Incubation Programs: Join programs like Sinapis, which offers business training and incubation, and is increasingly inclusive of persons with disabilities.

8. Inclusive Workplace Practices

• Advocate for Disability-Inclusive Workplaces: Engage with employers to promote disability-inclusive practices. Many Kenyan companies are beginning to adopt more inclusive policies, especially within the framework of corporate social responsibility.
• Networking with Disability Champions: Engage with organizations and companies that are known for their inclusive hiring practices, such as Standard Chartered Bank and Safaricom, which have made commitments to hiring persons with disabilities.

9. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

• Stay Informed: Keep up with initiatives like the Ajira Digital Program and Youth Empowerment Programs, which offer continuous learning opportunities and have components designed for persons with disabilities.
• Lifelong Learning: Engage in lifelong learning through accessible online platforms and local institutions offering courses that can help you stay competitive in the job market.

10. NGO and Community-Based Support

• Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Engage with CBR programs that not only focus on rehabilitation but also provide training and employment opportunities.
• Support from Disability Organizations: Seek assistance from organizations like the Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) or the Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD), which provide tailored support for persons with specific disabilities.

Using these strategies, persons with disabilities can enhance their employability and access meaningful employment opportunities and contribute to their personal development and overall quality of life.

Article by: Emomeri Maryanne