National Disability Employment Awareness Month-Week 3

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NDEAM 2021 Thoughts from the Vice Chairperson
By Lud Kozlowski

A job or career is a pathway out of poverty and into success and prosperity. Individuals with disabilities have abilities and talents that never should be DISSED and should be seen for who they are and for their ability not the disability.

As someone with a developmental disability being on the autism spectrum there are quirks that can be misunderstood and taken the wrong way. For me reading things literally and not being able to tell sarcasm from serious feedback can lead to frustrating but funny situations. It can also lead to dangerous situations at times.

However, we have the drive to be successful and productive members of the workforce resulting in a better quality of life and a freeing up of government services to those who need it.

The American With Disabilities Act has been a Godsend. Disclosing that you have a disability does NOT give you a free ride. Unfortunately, too many folks have the misperception that it protects you from being fired. Let me assure you I DO NOT WANT to be treated differently and if I am not making the grade please fire me because it does not do anyone any good.

All the ADA does is it gives individuals of all disabilities the ability to have an equal playing field through REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS so the individual can achieve and be as successful as an able-bodied person. That could be clarity of questions, larger size rooms, noise cancelling devices for sound sensitive individuals, but it is anything but a free ride.

The disabled community is able to work and, when given the right tools, you will find us to be among the hardest working, focused, detail-oriented people you meet beyond the quirks we all have. With employment we all can live a life that is integrated, free of institutions, be independent and have a fully inclusive world that works for everyone.

This October, make a habit of learning about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities in the workforce. When you do, you will see your organization be the best it can be.

Lud Kozlowski

Ludwik “Lud” Kozlowski serves as the vice-chair of the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio/TV/Film from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Arts degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. Kozlowski is a world traveler and Self-Advocate who presents professional development lectures at conferences across the United States. He also leads a monthly support group called Adults on the Autism Spectrum Monthly Support Group, which provides older adults on the autism spectrum the safe, open space to meet and socialize. If you would like more information, contact Lud Kozlowski at aspielud@comcast.net or via phone at 502-791-5835.

About the Arkansas Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Council is a federally funded state agency that promotes integration, inclusion and independence for Arkansans with developmental disabilities. Council members are self-advocates, relatives and/or caregivers of individuals with DD, state agency directors, and representation from nonprofit and private organizations. The Council works to encourage self-advocacy; to remove barriers to information, services and support; to advocate for policy changes; to develop and support coalitions; and to educate community leaders. For more information about the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and its mission, browse more pages on this website GCDD.arkansas.gov, or call 501-682-2897. Follow the Council on Facebook and Twitter @gcddar. You can also find Arkansas GCDD on YouTube.