Each July, Disability Pride Month commemorates the strength, resilience, and diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities. It serves as a platform to advocate for disability rights, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the achievements of the disability community.
In part 2 of this series, the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion sat down with two AWARE staff members, Kelly Mayer, Director of Talent Relations, and Dina Jones, HR ADA Specialist, to learn more about accessibility initiatives for employees with disabilities at UAB.
Understanding the AWARE Program
The AWARE program, which stands for Always Working to Advocate, Retain, and Employ, operates under UAB’s Talent, Performance, and Relations division. Originally established as the RAVE (Retaining a Valued Employee) program, AWARE provides comprehensive disability-management services, aiming to support employees whose jobs are affected by physical, mental, or emotional impairments.
“We handle accommodations for UAB employees and do community outreach to help those with disabilities get employed at UAB. We’re partnered with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and are a part of a UAB health and wellness coalition that includes several organizations across campus.” says Dina Jones. “Our partnership with ADRS includes vocational evaluations and rehabilitation counseling. They come on-site for assessments with our employees, which is awesome.”
“AWARE addresses accommodations for all employees,” Kelly Mayer adds, “including campus employees, hospital employees, and affiliates across UAB, such as the Health System and other associated entities."
Initiatives and Services Provided
AWARE plays a pivotal role in supporting a diverse range of disabilities, both visible and invisible, through strategic partnerships and comprehensive services. These initiatives ensure accessibility and foster a supportive environment where all employees can thrive in their careers.
Employees with mobility issues can work with the AWARE program to get registered through BlazeRide. Working in collaboration with UAB Parking & Transportation, BlazeRide provides van service to all students, faculty, and staff with temporary or permanent impairments. Those approved to use the service can call BlazeRide 30 minutes ahead of their pick-up time and will be dropped off at any facility on campus.
“We’re also connected with Best Buddies, which is a group that supports people with invisible disabilities,” Jones adds, “A lot of the time, you see a UAB employee with an invisible disability that feels misunderstood and doesn’t have anyone to converse or hang out with.”
“It’s a program that allows you to develop friendships with people who may have the same disability that you do,” says Jones, “but you don’t need to have a disability to volunteer or get involved.”
In addition to providing resources for employees with disabilities, AWARE supports faculty and staff who are veterans. Veterans can find various resources through the Veterans Online Toolkit, ranging from programs preparing them for civilian careers to connecting them with fellow veteran peers.
Besides veteran resources, employees can find a link to submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request, an invitation to self-identify, and information on community resources.
Importance of Self-Identifying and Allyship
According to the AMA Journal of Ethics, “less than 1 percent of medical students have disabilities known to school administrators,” despite 18.7 percent of the U.S. population identifying themselves as having at least one disability. While speaking up and self-identifying for accommodations can be daunting, it’s crucial for ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in medical education and practice.
“We’re working on reducing and eventually eliminating stigma,” says Jones, “Once we do that, being transparent about disabilities, whether visible or invisible, shouldn’t be an issue.”
“A lot of times, things can be resolved with just a simple conversation,” says Mayer, “It’s just a matter of saying, ‘Hey, I need an adjustment for this,’ or ‘I’ve got a new diagnosis, and it would be best if we could do this.’”
“When you cross that bridge, it creates that climate of trust,” Jones adds, “Employees want to be transparent with someone they trust, and that’s why those conversations that Kelly mentioned are so important.”
“If someone is having difficulties and they don’t know how to talk to their supervisor about it, the best place to request an accommodation is through the AWARE online portal.” Mayer emphasizes.
While speaking up and self-identifying are essential to creating a climate of trust and reducing the stigma associated with requesting accommodations, allyship can be just as important. Although it may be intimidating to initiate a conversation with a coworker struggling with a disability, Mayer highlights the importance of just asking.
“It’s as easy as asking, ‘Hey, what can I do?’ Or, if you’ve got questions, you can reach out to us. We can answer any question as best as we can and employ you in the right direction.”
By creating an environment where healthcare providers feel empowered to disclose their disabilities and request accommodations, the Heersink School of Medicine can foster inclusivity and enable all professionals to contribute fully to patient care. This not only benefits healthcare providers but also enhances the rich perspectives within the healthcare field, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and promoting a more equitable healthcare system.
Building a Supportive Workplace Culture Year-Round
Disability Pride Month reminds us of the resilience and achievements within the disability community, with initiatives like AWARE serving as pillars of support and advocacy. By promoting a culture of trust, transparency, and allyship, AWARE ensures that employees with disabilities, both visible and invisible, have the resources and accommodations they need to thrive.
Whether you're considering self-identification or seeking support, AWARE offers valuable resources to enhance your workplace environment.
To submit a reasonable accommodation request, click here.
For more information on accommodations or to explore other available resources, visit the AWARE program's website.