In this blog for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Future Voices Group Alumnus Nedilson discusses his experience at the DFN Project Search Conference, an event that aims to help employers understand how to better support young people with disabilities in the workplace.
A year ago, I had the privilege of attending the DFN Project Search Conference for the first time. Back then, I was just an audience member. This year, however, was different because I had the amazing opportunity to speak on a panel about my experiences as a young person with a disability navigating the world of work. Along with four other panellists, I spoke about my journey and the support I’ve received along the way, as well as the theme of the conference “Don’t Stop me Now” and key messages I wanted everyone in the room to take away from the day. By being a member of this panel, I had the chance to show that there is a need for change and that we (young people with disabilities) are not going to allow outside factors to prevent us from reaching our true potential.
Throughout the journey of this project, from the initial conversations to the event itself, the message of “Don’t Stop Me Now” truly resonated with me. In fact, I really needed to hear those words myself as I had been living in a moment where I was fighting for what I wanted, identifying a code of principles and not allowing anything or anybody to hold me back. Listening to those words just reinforced the attitude that I was already having.
When the big moment arrived, as we were approaching the stage and feeling the energy in the room, I was amazed by what was about to happen. After I introduced myself, I looked to the facilitator and when she gave me a sign of how great it was, from that point forward I felt absolutely confident that things would end well. And just like that I was able to reach another milestone in my life alongside other young people, speaking in front of 300 audience members on a topic that I am so passionate about.
After the panel was over, we took part in a workshop which was based off the answers that came out of the panel. It was another opportunity for young individuals to come together to discuss the ways that the system is failing young people with disabilities who are trying to break into the world of employment. We bounced ideas off each other on how employers could have a better approach to hiring and supporting young people with disabilities, and making them see that there are so many ways that we can contribute to society. It’s so important for young people with disabilities to know that they can be their authentic selves without being afraid or worrying that something will hold them back.
For employers, we hope that you will be open-minded when dealing with somebody who has a disability, and find alternative ways that will help individuals in their journeys both in the recruitment process and after being recruited. Everyone has something to add so don’t make the mistake of not having a young person in the company due to disability and losing a big opportunity for your company.
