A Personal Story on Deaf Employment

In today’s workplace, diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords—they’re vital components of a thriving business culture. To explore how these principles play out in real-world scenarios, we sat down with a remarkable individual who is deaf, along with his coworkers and boss, to gain insight into their experiences. This interview sheds light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by a deaf employee. It reveals how communication, support, and understanding can transform not just the workplace but also the relationships and people within it. Take an inner look at the incredible perspectives held by these amazing individuals. The interview was conducted at a local beauty supplier, Paramount Beauty. The deaf individual we worked with, Mandeep Singh, took us in and allowed us to observe his work. It seemed that work was the place that Mandeep thrived. Working there for over 20 years, he was confident and skilled. He was easily able to maneuver a forklift, and work with products that needed to be shipped. Mandeep even was in charge of a group of nondisabled people, and took the title of supervisor. To get a greater idea of what Mandeep’s working environment was, we interviewed his coworkers on what it was like to work with him. The first person we talked with was Gabriel Leo, and we were thrilled with what he had to say. Gabriel: “What I think about deaf individuals, is that they are the same as everyone. We have to work with them, just as the others. It doesn’t make a difference between them and let’s say ‘regular people.’ We work all together.” Gabriel was so lovely to hear from. He showed commitment to inclusivity in the workplace, recognizing that deaf individuals are equal team members. Gabriel emphasized that working together is key, regardless of differences. This mindset fosters a more integrated and supportive work environment, where everyone is valued equally. The next coworker we talked to, Bella, gave us insight on how she worked and communicated with him. She explained when talking, they simply had to use a pen and paper to get the message across. She explained how there is no real difficulty added. The only difference between working with him and with others is when she needed him, she had to find him instead of calling out. But she did not mind the extra step, and she kindly adapts to his needs without issue.

The last person we talked to, Jaya King, shocked us with her heartwarming story. She told us that since she met him, she had started learning sign language, and even started pushing her family and friends to learn as well. She insisted it was simple, and didn’t take much time out of her day. She enjoyed learning it and consistently seeked more education. Jaya’s story was inspiring, and we were so happy to see there were people like her in the world. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised and filled with joy at the acceptance and kindness Mandeep’s coworkers showed him. Witnessing the genuine support and understanding from his team reassured us that inclusive work environments are not just possible but truly impactful. It was heartening to see Mandeep thrive in a space where his abilities were recognized and valued, rather than his differences being highlighted. This experience has only strengthened our resolve to advocate for more inclusive workplaces, where every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, can feel supported and empowered to succeed. We believe that fostering such environments not only benefits those directly involved but also enriches the entire organization, creating a culture of respect, empathy, and collaboration.
However, there was still one perspective we wanted to learn: his bosses. When interviewing him, he had nothing but praise to say about Mandeep. He does not treat his disabled employee’s any differently, and said they have to prove themselves to him just as the others. When asked if there was any difference between Mandeep and anyone else, he said the only difference is that he can’t speak. There is no difficulty in explaining tasks to him, and he is one of the best workers he has in his warehouse. He advocated for other employers to give disabled people a chance, “they can do the job.” Our conversations with this deaf employee, his coworkers, and his boss have painted a vivid picture of what it means to foster an inclusive workplace. Their experiences underscore the importance of empathy, adaptability, and open communication in bridging gaps and ensuring everyone feels valued. By embracing these principles, companies can create environments where all employees—regardless of their abilities—can thrive and contribute meaningfully. This story serves as a powerful reminder that inclusivity is not just a policy but a practice, one that enriches both the individual and the collective work experience.
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