Yesterday I visited the cafe where my brother works. His work is a big deal. Because he has an #IntellectualDisability #DevelopmentalDisability and #InclusiveEmployment is ridiculously hard to find. We talk a lot on #MedTwitter about being #Inclusive. 1/ 
I am part of those conversations. They usually centre around #GenderEquity, sometimes #Antiracism, occasionally #LGBTQ+ rights, and once in a while #Disability - but under that term I almost never hear about #DevelopmentalDisability, or more importantly, how we - physicians 2/
members of society with privilege, including for many of us, our own businesses (yes, for those of you in North America, your medicine practice is run as a small business), could be actively supporting truly #InclusiveEmployment. My brother has had many jobs. Almost none of 3/
of them have been paid. Almost none of them have had specific support staff available to coach him if he needs extra support with certain tasks. And that is despite him coming from a family of academics who have been able (by and large), to advocate for him and navigate an 4/
exceedingly complex system (earn too much and you lose your benefits, earn too little and you’re not complying with certain employment laws). What’s also disappointing for me as a relative of someone with a #DevelopmentalDisability, is that research has shown that these folks 5/
are amongst the most reliable and loyal employees companies can have. They almost never call in sick, are almost never late, and help companies to build and retain community. Do you know why they’re such amazing employees? It’s cos’ for once, they feel valued. 6/
They sense that they are part of something bigger. They have purpose and intent. Don’t we all need that? Don’t we all want to feel needed, useful and valued? Are these not some of the basic tenets of humanity?
I’m tagging a whole bunch of people today 7/
I’m tagging a whole bunch of people today 7/
those who are already advocating for #InclusiveEmployment as well as those who talk about #Diversity and #Equity and have lots of followers. My hope and request is that you retweet this message so that we can all reflect on what we can do to make one another feel valued, 8/
to create a world where there’s true inclusion. A world where we, the ones with privilege, ask ourselves, what can I do? How can I employ/support someone who needs employment (even volunteer positions can mean so much to someone with a #DevelopmentalDisability)? 9/
How can I encourage my staff, my company, my children, my friends, to think about this issue? As the Holiday season approaches I would love for you to look at models like The Lunch Box Cafe run by Cheryl of @CLNorthHalton . It’s not just a cafe with amazing food (the food is 10/
sooooo good!), it’s a place where folks like my brother can truly belong. A place where they thrive and give back to the community. A place where the community benefits from having people like my brother to learn from and to grow with. Please RT. 11/
And please, do something. Just one small thing. Even a donation to Lunch Box Cafe will help.Even thinking about who we make visible &who remains invisible in our society is worthy reflection. Merry Christmas.Let’s continue to think and act for #diversity & #inclusion for ALL. 12/
And if you want to consider employing someone/exploring whether their skill sets would benefit your business,reach out to your local organisations, like Community Living and speak to their employment training programs.
@firefly_writing did that and it worked out wonderfully. 13/
@firefly_writing did that and it worked out wonderfully. 13/
@HSCCommittee @OakvilleCL @AnitaOakville @ETSshow @MPaiMD @NupuraBakshiMD @AskDrAlya @autismjobclubca @AutismONT @CIICUBC @betterallies @MeeksLisa @MaggieKeresteci @suerobinsyvr @TheChangeFdn @BestBuddiesCND @animaleadership @dkhanna80 @adamhayden @JillianHortonMD @PEAKMD @UofTMed_OID @EIOMcMaster @MMottiar @healthinthehmmr @SaleemRazack @SKHughesMD @heykatbutler @imswimming3 @MaryFernando_ @inquisitiveGyn @Nishaobgyn @GongGasGirl @tajmustapha_md @ShannonOMac @GuscottJesse @S_Nouman_Ashraf @TomVargheseJr @NankyRai
@HSCCommittee @OakvilleCL @AnitaOakville @ETSshow @MPaiMD @NupuraBakshiMD @AskDrAlya @autismjobclubca @AutismONT @CIICUBC @betterallies @MeeksLisa @MaggieKeresteci @suerobinsyvr @TheChangeFdn @BestBuddiesCND @animaleadership @dkhanna80 @adamhayden @JillianHortonMD @PEAKMD @UofTMed_OID @EIOMcMaster @MMottiar @healthinthehmmr @SaleemRazack @SKHughesMD @heykatbutler @imswimming3 @MaryFernando_ @inquisitiveGyn @Nishaobgyn @GongGasGirl @tajmustapha_md @ShannonOMac @GuscottJesse @S_Nouman_Ashraf @TomVargheseJr @NankyRai ❤️ Thank you to all who’ve already responded! If you liked this, please consider retweeting. If you retweeted, please consider donating. If you donated, please consider supporting the training or employment of someone with a #DevelopmentalDisability #IntellectualDisability
@HSCCommittee @OakvilleCL @AnitaOakville @ETSshow @MPaiMD @NupuraBakshiMD @AskDrAlya @autismjobclubca @AutismONT @CIICUBC @betterallies @MeeksLisa @MaggieKeresteci @suerobinsyvr @TheChangeFdn @BestBuddiesCND @animaleadership @dkhanna80 @adamhayden @JillianHortonMD @PEAKMD @UofTMed_OID @EIOMcMaster @MMottiar @healthinthehmmr @SaleemRazack @SKHughesMD @heykatbutler @imswimming3 @MaryFernando_ @inquisitiveGyn @Nishaobgyn @GongGasGirl @tajmustapha_md @ShannonOMac @GuscottJesse @S_Nouman_Ashraf @TomVargheseJr @NankyRai Moved by the number of people who have reached out to me via DM after this thread.Hope to reconnect with @SibCollab - thank you @yonalunsky for reminding me about the awesome work they do. Also heartened to find out about so many other #MedTwitter sibs out there. @MedCrisis
