4A- Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is an efficiency issue with regards to people with disabilities being able to find a job. Individuals with disabilities have this unmet need because some employers believe that these individuals wouldn't be as efficient as other potential hires. As a student at the University of Florida, I have participated in a program called IFUS that helps with the cognitive and physical function of students with disabilities. This program aims to help these students have a quicker transition into the workforce after college, but there is still one problem: is there a workforce that is inclusive of these individuals? Some places like Publix, Subway, and the Reggae Shack welcome these individuals, but other companies are still under the impression that they do not need a diverse work place. This need is getting met in some places, which is allowing these individuals to continue to try and find different companies that would employ them. Being able to witness students with disabilities not being able to find work easy leads me to believe that this is an unmet need. This unmet need leaves many individuals without work and without a place that they can feel like they are making an impact. The need for people with disabilities to have a job stems from the fact that they also need to find a job that they are passionate about and something that they can do on a regular basis. This isn't something that has transpired, but it has increased in the issue of efficiency because there is a need for people with disabilities to find work. The prototypical customer would be any person that affiliates themself with the company, including the individual with disabilities. Based on the amount of people with disabilities that are unemployed, I would say that I am very sure that this opportunity exists.

#1: Mother of a son with cerebral palsy

• Do you believe that your son is capable of performing some of the same tasks that other individuals do?
• "Yes, he is very capable, he may be slower, but the task would get done."
• Do you feel like it would help your son is he was able to commit to a job?
• "He would be able to feel accountable for something, he would be able to get excited about doing something."
• Has your son ever seem interested in finding a job?
• "He does, he has 2 older brothers and he has watched them go to college and have summer jobs so he has always been interested in the concept."
• Has your son ever applied for a job?
• "Yes and no. Yes and he got it because it was a small business and we knew the owners. No because we were anxious of exposing him to prejudice."
• What kind of job do you think your son could do that some people may not believe he would be capable of?
• "He could stock shelves, bag groceries, be a host at a restaurant... etc."
• Do you think that your son has the stamina to work a shift of about 8 hours?
• "Yes, I don't see a difference between him doing stuff at home and at school for that long and then also doing it at a job."

Reflection: I think that this scenario is one that is more common than the normal person would believe. This mother seemed very interested in finding more opportunities for her son. I was most surprised at how this mother was very sure he son could perform the same tasks as other individuals. 

#2: IFUS student that has a cognitive disability

Note: (I had to reword some of these in my own words because it was a little scattered)

• Have you ever wanted a job?
• "Yes, my friend (name) works at Publix and she liked it."
• Have you ever tried to get a job?
• "The jobs that are available don't have what I need." (meaning her strengths are different that the positions she would be placed in)
• Do you think that you could go to work for 8 hours?
• "Not at first." (she was saying how she would have to have a shorter shift at first and work up to it)
• What kind of job would you want?
• "McDonalds, I love their fries."
• How often do you think you could work?
• "My mom works when I am at school, so that's when I could too."
• Do you think having a job that you liked would make you happy?
• "I think it would be like school and I could do it then."

Reflection: It was amazing to get to see my student's reaction when asking her about potential jobs. I was surprised at how she seemed to really want to get involved with something outside of school. 

#3: A caretaker of a boy in a wheelchair from IFUS

• Has he ever expressed interest in having a job?
• "Yes, his friends at school do, so he is interested in knowing if he also could."
• How could he participate in a work setting?
• "Well, since he speaks through an Ipad, he could greet customers at stores, hotels, and restaurants."
• Have you ever thought him having a job?
• "Yes. but we are nervous to how people would react around him. Whether it be coworkers, or customers, we want people to be inclusive."
• Do you think he could work for 8 hours?
• "No, but I think that he could get thee."
• How often do you think he could go to work?
• "He goes to school for 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, so for sure that often."
• Do you think having a job would make him happy once he transitions from college into the workforce?
• "Yes, he loves being around people and staying busy, so this transition would help him continue to live the life he loves."

Reflection: I was surprised that a lot of the guardians of people with disabilities are nervous for the individual to experience prejudice. This is something that needs to be changed by businesses becoming more inclusive and willing to employ people with disabilities.

Summary: The original opportunity is still there. I believe it was made more relevant showing how these individuals want to find a job. I think it is important for these individuals to find a place that helps with their strengths and a place where they feel like they are making a difference. Entrepreneurs wouldn't exist if they didn't adapt to customer feedback, the customer is the most important person in the process. Processes need to get changed as the world around us is constantly changing, people need to be able to adapt to new times.