Gov. Snyder directs state agencies to eliminate hurdles for disabled employees
Gov. Rick Snyder is asking state departments to hire more people who have disabilities.
It’s part of an ongoing effort to promote employment in Michigan for the disabled. That effort has been led by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, whose daughter has a disability. Calley says stigmas about hiring disabled people and obstructive work environments keep too many talented people out of the workforce.
“Even making a directive like this will create a lot of interest among people that maybe never thought about working for the state before,” Calley told reporters during a conference call unveiling the governor’s directive on Monday.
A number of top state officials have urged companies around the state to remove barriers for employees with disabilities. But they say the state is one major employer in Michigan that has not done enough.
“If we as leaders in Michigan expect to have credibility in our own continuing efforts to advocate for and promote diversity, then we must practice what we preach,” said Matthew Wesaw, director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, during the conference call.
Among other things, Gov. Snyder’s directive would also require state employees to get sensitivity training related to disabled co-workers.