Do you know anyone with a disability?  Are they a high school student, co-worker, grandparent, child or neighbor?  They are all around us, aren’t they?   What exactly do they look like?  Do they use walkers, ambulate in a wheelchair, hold a cane, or have a care giver close at hand?  Some do, but so many don’t. 

Individuals with disabilities look just like you and me, or like that person that was behind you in line.  Some wear jeans, and others wear dresses or suits.  They have various degrees of education, enjoy movies and laughter, and probably favor one type of food over others.  Oh, yes, they have money to spend, too, (billions of dollars, as a matter of fact).

Have you given much thought about how they are treated when they are attempting to spend some of their money? 

In any business, it is always easier to meet the needs of customers that put us at ease.  These customers are the ones that smile at us, laugh at our comments or witticism, and bring their purchases up to the cash registers for us to scan.  Every employee just loves those customers that open their own doors, pull out their own chairs, read any menu or sign with ease, speak with distinct clarity and hear perfectly whenever we speak to them.  About the hardest things the employee must do is accept payment, hand over the receipt and wish the customers a great day.

What about the individuals with disabilities.  Do we treat them differently?  Do we smile at them and say hello?  Do we share funny stories or evoke a bit of laughter from them?  Do we make it a point to go the extra distance to make their business transaction just as meaningful for them as we make it for those without disabilities?  Do we take the time to make all aspects of the business experience as seamless as possible and end with our wish to them for a great day, too?

I would like to share a thought with you.  Specifically, all of us will be disabled in one fashion or another within our lifetimes. 

Think about it.  We might be that person that has to use crutches, has a major hearing impairment and wears a hearing aide, or becomes deaf.  Because of a health concern, we could become that person that is unsteady when standing too long.  We, too, might be forced to move about in a wheelchair or push a walker.  Because of a sports injury or accident, we might have trouble with our knees, have a back that is wracked with pain or develop crippling arthritis.  What about shakiness in our hands, impaired speech, blindness, or the need for a service or guide dog?  The possibilities are endless.

If you become a person with disabilities, wouldn’t you want to be treated like any other customer?  Wouldn’t you want to frequent “disabled-friendly” businesses where the staff has learned how to give great customer service to everyone—in an appropriate manner? 

The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Foundation has created a video for the specific purpose of educating all employees and business owners on ways to provide great customer service to all people, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.  The video will be showcased on May 5 at the William Tell Holiday Inn at the foundation’s luncheon.  Everyone from this area is welcome to attend.

Besides viewing the video, the foundation will have a nationally recognized speaker that assists corporations with their outreach efforts to the disabled community.  James Emment will cover valuable information that he has shared with companies like UPS, Best Buy, Walgreens, Amro/LaSalle Banks, and the Brookfield Zoo.   

To make reservations, please call the West Suburban Chamber at 708-387-7550.  The cost of lunch and the stimulating talk is $30.  You can also go to kristenh@wscci.org.

Individuals with disabilities make up a huge market segment of the customer base within the United States.  By treating them more responsibly we ensure that they will be treated as equals.  By making a few adjustments within any business or becoming just a little bit more considerate of our actions and ways of doing business, we attest to the belief that we respect and value of everyone.