Introduction (near verbatim): Hi! My name is Derek Schmitz. I’m an 18-year-old queer, nonbinary person using they/them pronouns. I’m currently wearing a pink polo shirt, blue glasses, and a little makeup. I’m an author, accessibility consultant, disability advocate, and student, and I’m excited to be here today to discuss cross-generational disability inclusion!
Q1: Tell us about your disability journey
- Born disabled with cerebral palsy, and have had ADHD, and autism since I was very young, but have developed arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and anxiety in the past few years– the melting pot of comorbidities.
- Arthritis dx in 2020 after fighting for 4 years to be heard
- Been a disability advocate since 2018, working alongside many others to fight for the rights of disabled people every single day. It’s exhausting, but my work keeps me going and I am honored to be an advocate for my communities.
- Discuss how gender is related to disability
- Toxic masculinity explainer
- Nonbinary explainer
- “How everything connects
- How being immunocompromised has affected my life during COVID
- Segue into next question. Something like: “Being immunocompromised and multiply disabled means I have a lot of needs in the workplace, and there are a bunch of ways employers could make me feel included”
Q2: What do employers need to know about disability inclusion?
- Some (could maybe even say “most”) disabled people want to work and can deliver the same quality of work as nondisabled colleagues, but in most instances, we can’t due to the inaccessibility of typical jobs.
- We need streamlined ways to request accommodations
- Remote work and flexible hours are a must.
- If you could do it “during COVID” (COVID is still ongoing) when nondisabled people need it, you can do it now.
- As someone with sporadic illnesses, I need as much flexibility as I can get.
- “I may look put together now, but there are times when I physically cannot move and my ADHD and chronic fatigue make it hard to even think sometimes which means I have to be able to step back and listen to my body first.”
Conclusion: Having all my needs met is the one key thing I need for work. Inclusion starts with making sure everyone is able to participate in the work and they feel safe doing so. It’s up to us to make that happen. I’m so honored to have spent this time with you all and I can’t wait to see how this conference, and my fellow young people, change the world of work! Bye now!
Derek I. Schmitz 