Inclusive Employment Dialogue Sessions for PWDs by MIRM and specialjobs.com.my

In October 2022, the Make It Right Movement (MIRM), in collaboration with specialjobs.com.my, launched a series of Special Jobs Dialogue Sessions aimed at promoting inclusive employment for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia. These interactive sessions brought together employers, disability advocates, PWDs and civil society organisations to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the employment of PWDs and to find practical solutions to create more inclusive workplaces.

The dialogue sessions were part of a broader initiative by specialjobs.com.my, an online job portal that connects PWD job seekers with inclusive employers, to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive hiring practices and to bridge the gap between employers and talented individuals with disabilities. The sessions provided a platform for open conversations about accessibility, workplace accommodations and how businesses can tap into the potential of PWDs to create diverse, dynamic and productive workforces.

Employment remains a significant challenge for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia, with barriers like discriminatory hiring, inaccessible workplaces, and limited career development support. Despite policies encouraging the employment of PWDs, the unemployment rate in the community remains high.

The Special Jobs Dialogue Sessions were launched to address these issues, fostering discussions between employers and disability advocates to promote inclusive hiring. The sessions aimed to raise awareness about the value PWDs bring to the workplace, provide insights on creating accessible work environments, and empower PWD job seekers by sharing career development resources and rights. Additionally, these sessions acted as a bridge, facilitating connections between inclusive employers and PWD job seekers.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Benefits of Hiring PWDs: Employers shared how diverse teams, including PWDs, boost productivity, creativity, and problem-solving. PWDs’ unique strengths like resilience and adaptability can enhance workplace performance and culture.
2. Overcoming Employment Barriers: Addressing challenges like negative attitudes and physical inaccessibility, the sessions emphasised the need for education, reasonable accommodations, and disability rights awareness.
3. Inclusive Work Environments: Universal design and digital accessibility were highlighted as critical components of accessible workplaces, with practical solutions like assistive technologies and flexible work arrangements.
4. Building an Inclusive Corporate Culture: The sessions encouraged creating a supportive environment where PWDs feel valued through disability awareness training and fostering a culture of empathy and respect.
5. Success Stories: Employers and PWDs shared stories of successful inclusive hiring, inspiring other businesses to adopt similar practices.

The Special Jobs Dialogue Sessions raised employer awareness, boosted PWD job seekers’ confidence, and strengthened connections between inclusive employers and PWDs. Many employers committed to adopting inclusive hiring practices, and MIRM plans to continue advocating for inclusive employment through workshops and campaigns, aiming to create a more equitable job market for PWDs in Malaysia.