On the way to the Opportunity Collaboration in Ixtapa last week, I had a connecting flight at the Mexico City airport. As I wound my way through immigration and on to my next gate, I was struck by the number of people in wheelchairs. They were employees of the airport, helping to give out immigration forms, direct people to the baggage area, check itineraries to make sure travelers were going in the right direction.
On my way back through Mexico City after the conference, I saw other differently-abled airport employees collecting trash and polishing the floors. I asked a few airline representatives about it–whether there was a program in place to employ the differently-abled and how long it had been this way. They didn’t know much about it in terms of details, but were proud of the fact that the airport had taken steps to hire from this community. The Economist was a better resource, reporting that since 2007, the airport has filled at least 60 positions by those in wheelchairs.
How remarkable! Why don’t more airports make an effort to do this? Think of India, with at least 4 major airports, and so many differently-abled who are in need of jobs! What an amazing example it sets for arriving visitors that this city/state/country is inclusive and innovative. All it takes is a mandate for change from the top–or maybe those at the bottom making a little more noise.
Josh Kwan Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 4:15 am
Great observation — I went through the same airport en route to the same conference and wondered the same thing. Thanks for asking the question and raising the challenge: More airports (and more companies!) should be thinking about how to employ people with different skills and abilities. Kudos to the Mexico City airport, and to the friendly customs personnel and janitorial staff in wheelchairs.
Christian Rakvaag Said,
November 26, 2009 @ 8:44 am
I saw the same and I think we need to look beyond airports. I am going to propose to the Norwegian government that they introduce a law that requires job ads to state how suitable a job is for a differently-abled person (not vice versa!).
This information should be a standard classification that would be searchable in internet ads. Employers would then be required to think through – and justify – how adapted the workplace really is, and how it can be improved. Differently-abled people would then also feel much more encouraged and confident when applying for a job classified as e.g. suitable or very suitable.