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The term "handicapped" or "physically
challenged" is now applicable only to those who are lazy, incompetent or
lethargic. Ask the IT heads in Bangalore. They have a lot of positive things to
say about the people with disabilities employed in their organization and their
performance: greater empathy towards customers and loyalty for the organization.
Greater chances of retaining this knowledge capital has turned the attention of
BPO organization to including people with disabilities in their payrolls.
BPO companies have a plan of action that focuses on attracting
and retaining people with disabilities. They are also collaborating with NGOs to
recruit deserving candidates. People with disabilities are employed in various
segments like quality assurance and desk oriented job in verticals like banking,
finance, and insurance.
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Facts |
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The IT/BPO sector in the
state of Karnataka is estimated to have provided employment to over 5,000
physically challenged persons.
The percentage of employment
of physically disabled in each industry varies
from 2-5% depending upon job specifications.
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Source: Department of IT,
BT, and S&T, Karnataka government |
Workplace Solutions
Workplace solutions differ from organization to organization based on
policies they follow. For example, many have put up ramps/escalators instead of
steps, installation of wheel chair slopes for easy movement within the facility,
specially equipped vehicles for home pick up and drop, buddies for their
guidance and help, and special training courses keeping in view the nature of
their disability. However, these people are being hired on the basis of merit
and not out of sympathy because at the end of the day, organizations want
productivity.
"The basic infrastructure is lacking due to which people
with disabilities feel neglected. There is a need to create an environment which
makes the surrounding environment congenial to their free movement. If the
environment is unfriendly, they will hesitate even more." says JP
Shivakumara Swamy, founder, iCAD Engineering.
"We have approximately sixty employees, and to cater to
those with visual impairment we have installed the JAWS software and screen
magnifiers for those with low vision." explains Menu Bhambhani, manager,
Community Initiative, MphasiS.
"Before employing, we hired a specialist in this area not
only to facilitate the initiative but also to review our policies and
procedures. Today, we have an Equal Opportunities Team to look into the
Diversity & Affirmative Action initiatives of the company," said
Nandita Gurjar, VP, HR, Infosys BPO. Organizations also conduct sensitization
programs for other employees to ensure a friendly work environment.
Integration with HR
Employment of people with disabilities is not merely a corporate social
responsibility (CSR) that companies are following, but a part of HR practices.
Providing employment is not a corporate social responsibility, but also makes
fine business sense. IT/BPO industries in Karnataka are quite considerate on
this issue and have employed a good number of physically challenged persons.
"Some companies have made it a non-traditional hiring
policy to recruit a certain percentage of physically challenged persons,"
says MN Vidyashankar, secretary to the government, department of IT,
Biotechnology, S&T, Karnataka government
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"The government will
not subsidize employment; it would not be progressive in the long
run" |
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"December is celebrated
as "Diversity Month", to enhance Disability Awareness within the
organization" |
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"It is no more seen in
terms of social responsibility, but as a part of a social movement" |
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MN Vidyashankar,
secretary to government, dept of IT, BT, S&T, Karnataka government |
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Nandita Gurjar, VP,
HR, Infosys BPO |
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JP Shivakumarswamy, founder,
iCAD Engineering |
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