Continuing his series on how persons or entrepreneurs with disabilities can benefit from BBBEE, Rustim Ariefdien looks at how individuals can prepare for the workforce
Businesses can earn two points if the two percent employment target for black employees with disabilities are met – a target set out in the B-BBEE Act. Learnerships are the most common form of employing people with disabilities, especially where skill level is low. Only roughly one percent of the formal workforce includes people with disabilities, but there are fortunately more opportunities arising.
Disability organisations can play an important role in facilitating employment opportunities for people with disabilities through, for example, generating funding. However, persons with disabilities should find ways to make themselves a more appealing candidate.
A matric or post-matric qualification is helpful, although a lower level of education doesn’t exclude persons with a disability. There are programmes where the required level of literacy and numeracy is low, which allows learners with a disability to participate. These will ideally lead to permanent employment.
Another popular focus area for employers is persons with disabilities under the age of 30 years as the organisation then benefits from a tax allowance and Employee Tax Incentives. A black female with a disability under the age of 30, holding a matric or higher qualification, for example, is a sought-after candidate.
Where possible it is good to improve the level of skill through accredited courses or self-study. If a person can demonstrate that they have the desired skills, they will stand out to the employer. Essential to any potential candidate is a Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is helpful to disclose any disability here, whether physical or mental with the category and diagnosis.
This is important as it identifies any accessibility requirements a potential employee might have as well as ensures the employer can earn their B-BBEE points. Any reasonable accommodation requirements should be indicated, for example, I have a physical disability under the category Cerebral Palsy. My diagnosis is spastic diplegic and I use a wheelchair.
In an office environment, I need a working table under which my wheelchair can fit comfortably, an elevator to access all the levels and an accessible toilet. A medical practitioner’s certification that states the disability according to the Employment Equity Act should ideally accompany the CV.
