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The Ability For Success topic in April was “how to create an inclusive and diverse workplace effectively?” We have two guests from US this time. They share a similar goal which is to make the society a better place. Their motivations are different but equally inspiring. We discussed and exchanged ideas about the what the key elements are to create an inclusive and diverse working environment.
In February, I have visited a non-profit private school, Academy for Precision Learning (APL) in Seattle. APL offers K12 (kindergarten to high school) education and has 109 students in total, including students with disabilities. The largest number of disability is autism spectrum disorder which accounts two thirds of the total students. Other diagnostic representations include intellectual disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and Depression. The specialty of APL is fully inclusive education and individualized curriculum. From a general Japanese education perspective, people might feel “What is the meaning of putting students with with disabilities with students without disabilities in the same classroom although they cannot study the same subject at the same speed?” There are actually important values and benefits of including all students from various backgound to learn in the same environment.
The last report of Starbucks Headquarters visit. I had an opportunity to meet Jessica Rafuse who is manager within the Equal Employment Opportunity team at Starbucks. Jessica has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. To empower employment for people with disabilities, Jessica works with Starbucks business units to develop individualized hiring strategies. I often hear from US companies, including Starbucks that “hiring the very best person for the job” is first priority. A person with disability often develops a powerful strength, which is developed by the disability. Jessica gave an inspiring example.
On the other hand, it appears that Japanese companies has not yet realized and recognized persons with disabilities’ strengths. I see Japanese companies often remove people with disabilities from “the very best person” from the beginning of recruiting process.
Continuously on the Starbucks report, I had a chance to talk with Adam Novsam who is a Deaf Starbucks partner and works as a Business Analyst. I was impressed when he shared his perspective as a Deaf person in the Starbucks Access Alliance meeting. He shared his interesting background and career experiences before he joined Starbucks. There are lots of differences between Deaf and hearing culture. I also shared my previous experiences of working with Deaf colleague in Tokyo.
Continuously on the Starbucks report, I interviewed Ms. Marthalee Galeota who is a manager, Equal Opportunity Initiatives and is also a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter. Marthalee is like a professional “bridge.” She serves as an internal consultant sharing her subject matter expertise on new and existing initiatives, and also dedicates her efforts for Starbucks customers with disabilities by improving customer service and accessibilities at store.
I am always impressed by Starbucks’s high quality of customer service and very curious how Starbucks maintains the high quality of customer service at the numerous number of stores. In Seattle, I could visit Starbucks Headquarters twice! I have lots of stories to share with you. In part 1, I write about my great experience at the meeting of Access Alliance, one of Starbucks’s employee resource groups which promote inclusion and integrate accessibility. I found real strength of diversity and inclusion at Starbucks.
I had some precious experiences besides interviewing for my research in Seattle. One of them is to give a talk at “Meet the Professional” hosted by ICC Seattle Office, a study abroad agency. Meet the Professional is an event which a professional in various field gives a talk to Japanese students in Seattle area! What I talked was my disability, school life in Japan, findings in study abroad in U.S., experiences as an employee, and reasons why I research about employment for people with disabilities now. For one hour, I shared my experiences and how I changed my thoughts in my life.
In Seattle, I have visited Disability Rights Washington, a private non-profit organization, and the designated protection and advocacy agency. Today, in the US, many people with disabilities have equal opportunities to receive general education and work in various fields. However, equal opportunity doesn’t exist from the beginning. It is earned by brave advocates speaking up for people with disabilities. Part of the history is sad. Disability Rights Washington not only provides litigation support, but also have implemented interesting projects to raise awareness of people with disabilities.
Continuously on the Microsoft report, I found that Microsoft have implemented various kinds of systems, programs, and trainings to create equal opportunities and to promote inclusive work environment. I am curious how Microsoft creates a inclusive work environment and how they create great positive impact to the society.