Written by: Katherine Breward and Daniel Samosh
Published by: The Conversation
MBA News Digest Comment: Interesting to think that a GME program’s lack of awareness about disability-related barriers can reduce community well-being.
Extracted Content: Equitable access to employment is a prerequisite for a just society, yet many job candidates struggle to find work aligned with their goals, needs and qualifications. This is especially true for job candidates with disabilities, who often experience barriers to entering the labour market and progressing in their careers.
This is a problem for the people affected, but also for society. Underemployment and unemployment create a host of financial and human costs carried by all. These include increased need for social support and mental health services, diminished tax revenues and reduced access to skilled workers. Overall, it means reduced community well-being.
Removing employment barriers for people with disabilities requires a multifaceted approach, but it starts with equitable access to education.
MBA degrees are considered the gateway to lucrative and influential senior positions, and they are increasingly required for promotion to mid-level managerial jobs. As a result, disability barriers in these programs represent a critical challenge to inclusion.