How one-size-fits-all policies actually hinder diversity 

On the surface, there appears to be a lot of support for people with disabilities. We are often part of ad campaigns that help to exemplify diversity, there are resources tailored to our unique needs, and countless employers will advertise their commitment to supporting those who require accommodations. However, if you are disabled, you’ve probably noticed that this is more fluff than fact. Despite the seemingly positive representation, the disabled community still has a shockingly high unemployment rate, often depending on others for financial support. Stigma would dictate that this is due to a lack of job skills, minimal education, and the inability to meet job requirements. And, while this might be an issue for some, the ultimate reason why disabled people struggle to achieve financial independence is not incompetence, but rather inaccessibility.

Outside Their Policy

I became chronically ill at the age of 15. Afterward, it was apparent that I was still expected to conform with the abled world. I remember having to monitor my fluid intake and schedule bathroom breaks because most of my teachers thought going to the bathroom during class was a sign of immaturity or a lack of self-control. However, it wasn’t until I entered university that I noticed the devastating cracks within the system. My health deteriorated dramatically during my 3rd year of university which ultimately left me homebound and unable to attend in-person classes. Even though a number of courses were offered online, most examinations had to be completed in person. I was determined to continue my education and contacted the Dean, who supported my thoughts on making alternative arrangements. Much to my surprise, when I contacted student accessibility services, the department that aids in supporting disabled students, I was told there was nothing they could do under their policy. 

With no solution in sight, I was forced to make my own accommodations. This included self-medicating and starving myself just so I could make it to my exam and attempt to complete it without being stuck in the bathroom. Obviously, these practices were unsustainable and to prevent any further damage to my GPA, I was forced to withdraw from university entirely.

Over the course of 4 years, my health continued to deteriorate and after countless failed treatments, I opted for an ostomy bag. Thankfully, the surgery exceeded everyone’s expectations and slowly I was able to rebuild my life piece by piece. Despite still being disabled and managing multiple chronic conditions, I was flourishing and thought my days of fighting for accommodations were over. Bathroom accessibility was a basic human need. Therefore, I assumed needing slightly more access would be an easy ask. 

Unfortunately, my assumptions regarding basic human rights were quickly sidelined by university policy. During my first semester back, a professor told me that he did not recommend anyone with a disability take his classes. When I contacted the human rights department, once again, I was told that since the professor didn’t blatantly tell me I couldn’t take the course, my case was subjective and, under their guidelines, not much could be done. I was floored and, quite frankly, confused. If my needs fell under the preauthorized accommodations, I had no issues, but the moment my needs fell outside their policy, I was left stranded with no solution or support; even when I was being outright discriminated against. At that moment, I realized the perception of accommodations held more value over actually providing them.

Moving Forward 

“Sorry, that’s our policy.” Such a simple response with such damaging consequences. Time and time again, I faced barriers that nearly derailed my ability to obtain an education and, in every instance, I was forced to conform and create my own accommodations. And, now that I have entered the workforce, I see similar issues that I faced in university. The sad reality is, my experience exemplifies the notion that our society places a higher value on arbitrary, man-made policies over the real strength and assets that diversity can bring to the table. Humans are not built from a one-size-fits-all mold, therefore, why are educational institutions and employee policies based on a one-size-fits-all model? How are disabled people supposed to feel empowered and independent when we are forced to conform to a system that is built to fail us and, in turn, blames us for those failures rather than the failures within the system itself? Diversity is a profound strength because everyone’s situation provides them with a unique skill set. 

However, instead of being judged for our capabilities, we are judged by our limitations. If abled people struggle to meet the expectations of the typical work-life standards, how are disabled people supposed to fit into that mold? We need to focus on qualifications and what others can bring to the table instead of chastising them for not fitting into a policy that already doesn’t work for most people; both abled and disabled. If anything, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the world that accommodations are not only necessary but completely possible. Times have changed and, while some policies made sense before, keeping them now, has created a justification for discrimination.

Without adequate representation of disabled people in policy-making, we will continue to be undermined and undervalued. Disabled people need to be a part of the solution and changes moving forward. It is essential that we embrace diversity over policy so that the world is accessible for all.

About the Author

Morgan S. is a born leader who’s passionate about serving her community. With a background in Psychology, she uses both her professional and personal experience to help break down stigmas surrounding individuals living with an invisible disability. Most recently, she became an ostomy patient visitor with the Winnipeg Ostomy Association where she provides one-on-one peer mental health support for other local ostomy patients.

Explore Possible

This blog post is part of Explore Possible, an initiative by Manitoba Possible to amplify stories, perspectives about disability, accessibility, and inclusion.

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