Associate Dean (Research & Graduate Studies) and Law, Disability and Social Change Director Laverne Jacobs was interviewed in The Drive Magazine's cover story of their latest issue on the status of diversity and inclusion in Windsor Essex.
“What we need is a way to avoid social exclusion in workplaces and in general society,” says Dr. Laverne Jacobs. "It’s everyday things… planning events or trips designed for team-building, making sure those trips and events are accessible… I think we need to move beyond the law and think about how to be considerate, compassionate, and empathetic to our coworkers.”
Jacobs argues that many employers still believe the challenges to making a workplace accessible are greater than they really are. “We have all just witnessed and experienced the role of technology through the pandemic, and many of these same technologies can be accessible and easy to use for people with disabilities. Sometimes people with disabilities can accomplish more working at home due to barriers such as transportation. Now employers have seen how people can work at home easily and how one’s home can be adapted into a workplace. I hope these lessons learned can be used to create more opportunities for people with disabilities.”