2021-December-02
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Don’t Let a Disability Define How You See Me
BY CRAIG CRANDALL · BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER · UNITED STATES
WITH HELEN GALL
Before I was in a wheelchair, like many of us, I overlooked individuals with disabilities. There is an unconscious bias that assumes disabilities disqualify individuals from many things in life.
As a person with a disability, at times, you feel invisible.
I started with Cisco in January of 2000 in the Channel organization working with our Partners. In 2002, a motorcycle accident left me paralyzed from the waist down. That marked my transition from walking to wheeling, and I’ve been on a roll ever since.
At the time of my accident, outreach from my peers and Cisco leadership was swift and gracious.
While still in the hospital, the entire Channels leadership team dropped in late one afternoon. Included in the ranks was Chuck Robbins, who at that time led the Americas Partner organization.
Looking in the rearview mirror, Cisco was unbelievably great, giving me the time I needed to heal — physically and emotionally.
When I returned to work, there was no prescriptive plan to welcome someone into the workplace who has a disability. I was asked what accommodations I might need, but being new to a wheelchair myself, I really didn’t have a great answer.
Our managers don’t always understand what our needs might be
When challenges arise, you need to ask. Support is always out there, but the path to the answer may not always be clear. This is where the Connected Disability Action Network (CDAN) can help.
In both my personal and professional life, I saw how people approached and interacted with me differently than before.
People made assumptions about how my disability defined my capabilities. It defined a personal challenge to demonstrate I’m just as capable as any able-bodied person.
I got back to doing things I enjoyed before my accident, including scuba diving, snow skiing, and simple stuff like repairing things around the house.
More importantly, as a dad, I needed to be there for my kids. From being the Boy Scout Cub Master for more than 80 boys to taking the kids on adventures, with the help of my wife Carolyn, we have been determined to make sure our kids had life experiences like any other kids.
Still, in the workplace, I face unspoken challenges. People see me in a wheelchair and make unconscious assumptions.
Remember, I did the same thing before I transitioned to wheeling. After people had a chance to work with me, colleagues were repeatedly surprised that I was just like anyone else. Don’t worry, I get it!
This month, the global CDAN team is relaunching with a renewed mission
Here in the Americas, our team is quickly gaining volunteers and clarifying our mission to complement the global team. We have team members with disabilities or a family member with a disability who has ignited their passion.
We welcome individuals to learn more about our mission. If you are inspired, lean in and see how you can get involved.
If you work with someone with a disability, be aware of unconscious bias. (I need to do this too.) I know about my disability, but everyone’s disabilities and how they manage them are different.
Recently I hired a cabinet maker with significant vision problems. I found myself wondering how he could deliver quality work. So, I asked him. His vision loss over time, while profound, gave him time to adapt. I learned a lot from our conversation. Imagine that!
There are disabilities, like being in a wheelchair like me, that are obvious. But others that are far more subtle or hidden from view. Anyone at Cisco with a disability is here to do a job, just like you. We are here to be a part of the team and recognized when we contribute to the success of our teams and the company.
If you have a disability, of course, your People & Communities team is a primary support line. Now that CDAN is relaunching, visit the site to find your local CDAN chapter.
I bet you’ll find resources that you were not aware of, or maybe you’ll be compelled to get involved.
Most importantly, if you’re having challenges, speak up. It might not be a straight line to getting help, but be persistent and patient.
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