In recognition of the important role people with developmental and intellectual disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed annually in October.
While the observance is one of celebration, there are numerous barriers that exist for individuals with disabilities when it comes to seeking employment. Experts at the University of Michigan are working to address these challenges and provide resources to help with seeking employment, conducting interviews, and maintaining support throughout employment.
Lisa Meeks, PhD, and Matthew Smith, PhD, joined Michigan Minds for conversations about their research and the programs they have founded to help bridge the gaps that exist for the disability community. Learn more and listen to each episode below:
Addressing the Inequity of Access in Health Professions for People with Disabilities
Lisa Meeks, PhD, discusses her work and research on improving access to medical education for learners with disabilities and reducing health care disparities in patients with disabilities. Meeks is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Learning Health Sciences and Family Medicine at Michigan Medicine. As an administrative leader and researcher, Meeks helps inform policy and best practice in the area of disability inclusion for medical education, training, and practice.
Meeks is the founder and director of the Doctors with Disabilities Initiative, an organization that uses research, education, and the sharing of stories to drive change in perceptions, disability policy, and practices in healthcare education. She expands on the initiative’s four main goals, one of which includes elevating people by sharing the stories of physicians, nurses, and medical professionals. The team also works to foster awareness, increasing the visibility of healthcare providers with disabilities.
“Our organization addresses the inequity of opportunity and access in health professions education and practice for people with disabilities, and lack of education and awareness on the topic of disability inclusion. We work to combat stereotype bias and assumption through education and mythbusting, and we assist healthcare organizations and associations, policymakers, and leaders through our research, educational outreach, and policy briefs and recommendations.”
LISA MEEKS, PHD
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Bridging the Equity Gap in Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
Matthew Smith, PhD, professor in the University of Michigan School of Social Work, shares resources for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities who are seeking employment, including the Level Up Employment Skills Simulation Lab and the Job Interview Training for Transition-Age Youth.
In response to the need for more accessible ways for individuals with disabilities to secure employment, Smith founded the Level Up Lab which helps bridge the equity gap in employment opportunities for underserved groups.
“Our mission within the Level Up Lab is really to focus on developing and evaluating highly accessible ways to help these groups gain access and support their access to and support their ongoing employment.”
MATTHEW SMITH, PHD
