Living with a disability created new obstacles and challenges that require patience and creativity
CBC Communications | Posted: October 20, 2022 11:11 PM | Last Updated: October 20, 2022
Hiring process should be more focused on skill set than ability, says Sean Crump
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). To help spread awareness, CBC Calgary is highlighting stories from self-advocates and inclusive employers. Learn more at cbc.ca/mycalgary.
This story is the experience of Sean Crump, who is the owner of Included by Design, a community advocate, new father and quadriplegic.
I am a business owner, community advocate, new father, husband and a quadriplegic who utilizes a wheelchair for my independence. Although it was not the life I envisioned during my youth, it's a life I can proudly say has been fulfilling.
Not to say it has gone without its challenges. But because of those challenges, it's driven purpose and resilience in the face of adversity.
Living with a disability has created new obstacles and challenges that require patience and creativity to help find resolutions to the barriers that may present themselves. Requiring a home-care aide in the morning to prepare for the day, I often find myself up at 5 a.m to ensure that I'm ready and able to start the day when others typically do. This ensures I am able to accommodate meeting times in the morning and fit everything into the day.
I utilize public transportation and dictation software so that I am able to independently navigate the city and get any necessary work or correspondence out without any help.
There has been a number of challenges as a new father, especially trying to do it as somebody from a wheelchair. One major challenge is there are no books that help navigate this space. The closest thing we could find was raising a child with an absent parent, which is obviously not the case.
The biggest challenge for me is feeling like I can't engage with my son the same way other dads can. - Sean Crump
The biggest challenge for me is feeling like I can't engage with my son the same way other dads can, or in the traditional sense. Not being able to get down to the level my son is at was certainly a challenge to overcome.
We were able to find some workarounds to make sure that I was able to be on the same level as him and get that close bonding time together.
One of the other major pieces is I'm not as able to jump on other household tasks that start piling up because of the required attention our son needs. I'm always feeling a little bit inadequate in my ability to support my partner and properly care for my child. Thankfully I have one of the most amazing partners anybody could hope for, and there is no guilt placed on me, just the guilt I feel internally.
When applying for jobs, I often found I wouldn't get an opportunity, or be turned down for a position, as opposed to having somebody simply ask what my accommodations would look like. I believe there's no malicious intent in this, just a level of discomfort in broaching the subject.
I saw a gap in our community and wanted to be able to find a solution to ensure that anyone living with a disability has the equal opportunity that others would. As a founder of my own business, it is often challenging to navigate the space as somebody living with a disability, but I have prioritized our own hiring policies to ensure we can capitalize on any skill set despite the characteristics an individual may live with.
It's a massive untapped market of skilled workers who are loyal, creative and committed to the contribution of something meaningful and purposeful. - Sean Crump
Our team proudly consists of more than 40 per cent of people living with a disability, and I truly believe we are stronger because of it.
This wasn't because we went out and purposely sought out people living with disabilities, but we ensured we were able to clearly convey and articulate the inclusive environment and process we operate under. This drove interest in opportunity for both us and our employees.
Understanding the additional value an individual can bring in perspective — drawn from the experiences they have because of their disability — only strengthens the organization and business utilizing this employee pool.
It's a massive untapped market of skilled workers who are loyal, creative and committed to the contribution of something meaningful and purposeful.