The guide for professional trainers responsible for training employees of people of determination, recently issued by the Ministry of Community Development, and an electronic copy of which was reviewed by "Emirates Today", identified a number of facts about the capabilities and lives of people of determination, in addition to a set of misconceptions and common perceptions about them. Contrary to scientific facts.
This came within the guidelines included in the manual, as a reference for field trainers, in actual work environments.
The facts stipulated in the guide included that people with disabilities have different abilities, talents, interests and personalities, just like any other member of society. She emphasized that many studies indicate that employees with disabilities may be more productive and more loyal, and that they can be relied upon at work like - or more than - their non-disabled colleagues.
The guide called for not to focus on the weaknesses that a person has, as a result of disease or any other causes, and to look at the strengths that he has.
He said that isolating persons with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforces the misconception among many that they do not want, or are not able, to build relationships with people without disabilities, but the truth is that many of them take advantage of the opportunities available to them to join the community.
The list of proven facts about people of determination included that the relationship between wheelchair use and disease had developed through the use of wheelchairs in hospitals to transport patients. But a wheelchair is used for a variety of reasons, many of which may not have anything to do with disease. Like a bike or car, it is an aid that enables a person to move around.
As for the most prominent misconceptions and beliefs about people of determination, which the evidence confirmed that they are not based on scientific evidence, the belief that they feel more comfortable with people who have disabilities, and that non-disabled people are obligated to take care of them.
Incorrect perceptions also included the belief that employing people with disabilities is not a good idea, because they have a higher rate of leaving work than others.
The Ministry had completed the training of the first batch of professional trainers targeted by applying the standards and procedures of the guide, and it included 100 employees in a number of public and private agencies and institutions.
It defined a vocational trainer for people of determination, in any organization, as a person who uses certain techniques to help employees of determination learn and perform work tasks accurately.
Isolating people with disabilities in schools and institutions reinforces the belief of many that they do not want to build relationships.
People with disabilities do not need compassion, but rather opportunities. Adapting to a disability requires an understanding of a specific lifestyle.
- Companies that employ people with disabilities, the increase in employee retention, and the decrease in absenteeism.