Consulting | Training

 

I offer disability awareness and communication training within organizations that opens the door to increased effectiveness, satisfaction and meaningful contribution for all. This includes learning what to say to co-workers who have a serious illness, or whose family member may be diagnosed with a disability or illness. It also includes hospital staff learning the questions to ask patients which will give them the information they need to provide excellent quality care for a person with a disability. 

Corporations who have employees and customer who have disabilities or acquire age related impairments, often do not intuitively know what to do or what to say. This decreases employee and customer satisfaction, effectiveness and productivity. Organizations will benefit greatly by understanding how to actively engage with a population of people who are adaptive, creative, resilient, and ready to contribute. 

Healthcare organizations have tremendous medical expertise, however when a person with a disability or chronic health condition comes in with a health issue that’s not directly related to their condition, providing care becomes more complex. Medical staff may not understand all the nuances of that particular person’s condition—nor is it possible to know it all. The patient and family are often the expert of themselves and their disability or chronic condition. Together, medical professionals and patient/family can come up with solutions to provide the best quality care. 

Context for our conversation

  • According to the US Census, 18% of adults have a disability. They include individuals with disabilities, the elderly & veterans.
  • The disabled community is growing at the rate of 25% per year due to: enhanced medical technology (babies & adults are living); aging baby boomers; and returning veterans with disabilities.
  • Approximately 15% of a firm’s workforce is either someone who has a disability or who has a child or other dependent with special needs.
Often individuals with special needs and their family, find it challenging to make clear, direct requests for what they need and want. This puts the burden on others to be a mind reader; to know what they need and how to provide it without any input or information. Of course, it will never be “just right.”The conversation needs to shift so each person in the interaction is empowered — and shares responsibility — to talk openly and directly about disability and the impact on providing excellent medical care and value to the organization. 

The big taboo topic of disability isn’t supposed to be noticed — let alone discussed. With all this silence, how can we create a culture where each person is valued for their differences, expertise and unique expression?”
— Marianne DiBlasi

No one wants to do or say the wrong thing!

team discussionI offer consulting and disability sensitivity and communication training to organizations that seek to have a more integrated and open environment, encouraging validation and celebration of differences. My corporate background paired with my own experience of living and working with disability provides a context that is both informed and candid. I know the issues from the inside out.

Who benefits from training?

Front line staff who deal with customers and consumers. These employees are the face and voice of your company to consumers, customers and visitors.

Human Resources personnel who are recruiting the best talent for your organization and interviewing candidates with visible and hidden disabilities.  Managers and employees will often go to HR for guidance when a situation initially arises or when an issue escalates.

Organizational Members who engage with each other on a daily basis, working together on teams, projects and committees to accomplish the important work of your organization. Prepare and empower your employees, both with and without disabilities.

People Managers who have employees reporting to them so they are able to provide the appropriate support to a valued employee.  Often these managers need assistance understanding how to talk about disability or illness related needs and situations

Corporate executives who set the tone for the corporate culture within organizations, and provide support to the management team.

I can help you learn how to handle disability related situations in a more positive manner.  

Your organization can increase employee and consumer loyalty by enhancing communication and developing more effective relationships between medical professionals and patient/families, employers and their staff, and companies and their customers. 

Contact me to arrange for a talk or group training. I can customize a presentation to meet your specific populations and needs.