The Career Fair to Hasten Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

According to the United Nations, In developing countries, 80% to 90% of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed, whereas in industrialized countries the figure is between 50% and 70%. This is because some employers/companies think that persons with disabilities are not fully competent or lack certain skills for the various professions. Some of the challenges that persons with disabilities face in the workspace are discrimination, and improper communication, low self-esteem which results in them thinking they are less qualified for these jobs.

In a bid to change the narrative and address these stereotypes, On 22 April 2022, Light For the World together with different partners and stakeholders organized a career fair to train persons with disabilities on work etiquette, and create more employment opportunities for them in the workspace. During the career fair, facilitators and stakeholders discussed the importance of inclusive employment and they encouraged young persons with disabilities to improve their skills to fit the job market and avoid dwelling on their weaknesses.

In his remarks, Ambrose Murangira the thematic Director of Disability Inclusion – Light for the world noted that persons with disabilities should not use their disabilities as an excuse for not delivering while at work. He also emphasized that employers don’t want to hear excuses, but rather they want to know whether you are able to help them maximize their profits. Ambrose also advised the job seekers, to be mindful of how they use the different social media platforms because most employers will do a background search about you before they employ you. The way you use social media can either sell you in or sell you out”

Building capacity for persons with disabilities is part of preparing persons with disabilities for the future economy this is why throughout the career fair, persons with disabilities were taken through sessions on how they  can be more competitive in the workspace and the importance of working on their professional profile and self-esteem. On top of this, platforms like the job portal, an intervention by NUDIPU, and partners have been created to enable persons with disabilities to access jobs easily. The job online portal targets persons with disabilities and acts as a link between employers and job seekers.

While giving his address, the Country Director of Light For the World: Mr. Kasozi Sylvester noted the importance of hiring persons with disabilities. People with disabilities make good, dependable employees, they’re very productive, and organizations that hire them, have monetary gains.

Persons with disabilities have different talents and we should look at their abilities rather than what they cannot do. Employing them would help communities understand the beauty of an inclusive society and would help us achieve social justice.

Written by Kiwumulo Charity.