Employers holding negative stereotypes and denying reasonable accommodations continue to hinder the employment prospects of people with disabilities. In the third post of this six-part series, Policy Consultant Sumukha Terakanambi shares firsthand accounts and expert insights into how these barriers affect people. From misconceptions about productivity to misguided views on accommodation costs, learn about the systemic issues at play and the policy proposals that can create a more inclusive workforce.
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Barriers to Employment: A Lack of Information about Supports
Discover the role disability services and supports play in Minnesota’s employment landscape with Sumukha Terakanambi, a Policy Consultant at MCD. In the second post of this six-part series, Sumukha discusses some of the programs and resources designed to empower people with disabilities in the workforce. He also sheds light on the barriers many still face. From navigating eligibility criteria to advocating for informed choices, this post offers actionable insights and policy recommendations to dismantle systemic obstacles and create inclusive employment opportunities for all.
Barriers to Employment: An Overview
My name is Sumukha Terakanambi, and I am a Policy Consultant with the Minnesota Council on Disability. For the last few years, my goal has been to gain full-time employment as a disability and healthcare policy advocate. As a person with a disability, I have the desire and ability to work like anyone else. Unfortunately, I – and so many others with disabilities – still face negative stereotypes and systemic barriers when searching for employment. This is the first in a series of six blog posts exploring the major barriers to employment for people with disabilities across the state.
MCD50: Help Us Mark 50 Years of Disability Advocacy
The Minnesota Council on Disability is gathering stories and the history of the agency for our 50th Anniversary activities. Your experiences and stories have shaped the disability rights movement and are instrumental in how MCD works. Our history is not possible without you. Do you have photographs or cool items that would help us tell the story of our last fifty years? We want to know your stories and memories.
Disability Advocacy Day Wrap-up
On Wednesday, March 27, people with disabilities and disability advocates joined in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda for Disability Advocacy Day. The theme of this year’s rally was Disability Justice, a social movement focused on examining ableism and the challenges and injustices that people with disabilities still face. During the rally, speakers called on the crowd to support disability-related legislation. Following the rally, several participants met with their legislators.
Uber and Lyft Must Provide Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
The fight over wages for Uber and Lyft drivers in Minneapolis has brought renewed attention to on-demand transportation. Despite the independence these services can provide, people in wheelchairs are often left out. Sumukha Terakanambi, MCD Public Policy Consultant, talks about the need for accessible on-demand transportation and the risks to health and safety if it is not available.