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Why We Need to Talk About Hidden Disabilities in the Workplace

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United Sports & Inclusion Center from Special Olympics Michigan, with some construction workers hugging in the background.

Let’s get real about something that pisses us off: we have an entire talent pool of capable, dedicated workers that employers are completely ignoring. And it’s not just hurting these potential employees – it’s hurting businesses too.

We recently sat down with Jennifer VanSkiver from Special Olympics Michigan on our Happy Hour Hustle podcast and holy hell, did she drop some truth bombs about inclusivity in hiring. This conversation hit home because it perfectly illustrates what we’ve been preaching at 8THIRTYFOUR: sometimes the best talent comes in packages we’re not programmed to recognize.

The Reality Check We All Need

The episode spotlights an uncomfortable truth: society wasn’t built for people with disabilities, visible or hidden. We put the burden on them to adapt, to explain, to justify their place in our workplaces. How messed up is that?

Jennifer shared the story of her daughter CJ, who works as a nurse tech at Corewell Health. Here’s the kicker – CJ has what’s called a “hidden disability,” but she’s absolutely crushing it in a role that traditionally sees high turnover. She’s been there for five years, proving that when we look past our preconceptions, everyone wins.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Want to hear something wild? Many positions that companies struggle to keep filled could be perfect opportunities for individuals with different abilities. But instead of tapping into this dedicated workforce, we’re stuck in old patterns of thinking about who can do what.

Why You Need to Listen to the Full Episode

We could go on about this all day (and trust us, we have), but you really need to hear this conversation for yourself. Jennifer breaks down:

  • The reality of hidden disabilities in the workplace
  • How societal expectations create unnecessary barriers
  • Real solutions for businesses looking to expand their talent pool
  • The transformative impact of giving people a chance


Plus, there’s an amazing story about Snoop Dogg that has nothing to do with what you’d expect. You’ll have to listen to find out more about that one.

The Bottom Line

It’s 2024, and it’s time we stopped ignoring talent just because it doesn’t fit our preconceived notions of what an “ideal employee” looks like. This isn’t just about doing the right thing – though that should be enough. It’s about smart business decisions that benefit everyone.

Ready to have your assumptions challenged? Head over to your favorite podcast platform and listen to the full episode of Happy Hour Hustle. Trust me, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

And if you’re an employer? Maybe it’s time to rethink who you’re overlooking in your hiring process. Your next great employee might just be someone you never considered before.

 

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National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation.

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.

You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women`s Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you`ve got a team of 10 or it`s just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You`ll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who`ve been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089775152664042
You asked, we delivered. Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership. Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it. Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business. You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are. Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.

"I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" - Leslie F*ucking Knope

You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it.

Come to the Big Deal Energy Workshop, @bodespeaks will show you how.

It`s personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18026151482745649
"I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" - Leslie F*ucking Knope You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it. Come to the Big Deal Energy Workshop, @bodespeaks will show you how. It's personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: We took a walk to one of the houses @bodespeaks lived in Creston. There were 3 total. We also got a history lesson of @crestongr along the way. Of course we had to take Joey too.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18232322101316198
THROWBACK THURSDAY: We took a walk to one of the houses @bodespeaks lived in Creston. There were 3 total. We also got a history lesson of @crestongr along the way. Of course we had to take Joey too.
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