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Michael Murray: Advice for Job Applicants with Disabilities

Michael Murray and RespectAbility Spring 2018 Fellows in front of the RespectAbility banner

Michael Murray with RespectAbility staff and Fellows

Rockville, Maryland, March 16 – In a presentation to RespectAbility staff and Fellows, Michael Murray spoke about the world of disabilities, employment opportunities and overcoming stigma as a person with a disability. Murray is the Director of the Employer Policy Team at the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. He happens to have more than one disability and is passionate about advancing opportunities for people with disabilities joining the workforce.

Murray shared his experiences growing up with dyslexia as a child. He eventually learned to read and write thanks to his own dad. He spoke about how he saw his disability as a positive factor and his motivation to strive for success as a person living with a disability. His dad, who also had a disability, was very encouraging growing up. His father inspired him and served as a great role model; he was very accepting and loving toward him. He encouraged Michael to run because he knew that’s what he loved. Even though his had chronic fatigue syndrome, he joined Murray on his first 5k race.

Murray spoke about various approaches to obtaining a job as a person with a disability. In a cover letter or resume, avoid pity because pity prevents people from reaching their potential. “Show off the value you can add, not in spite of your disability, but in part because of it,” he said. Murray suggested that when people disclose their disability is completely up to the them.

Michael Murray and RespectAbility Fellow Tameir Yeheyes in front of the RespectAbility banner

Michael Murray and RespectAbility Fellow Tameir Yeheyes

When looking for a government job, Murray emphasized researching the agency one wishes to be employed with before applying for a job because the federal government is competitive. He suggests it is best to stand out, know the system, know the terminology, apply to apply to as many vacancies for which you qualify and to use askjan.org to find helpful information on how to obtain accommodations. Broadening and widening a job search is helpful, as well as being open to relocating if the opportunity is at hand. He says “go big or go home,” meaning don’t settle or limit one’s self to a single company or geographical area.

Murray also spoke about businesses that accommodate people with disabilities improve the bottom line of the business. He illustrated how inclusion drives innovation. People will buy more groceries if the doors open automatically, and they can carry them to their car more easily he explained.

Murray reviewed the Schedule A hiring authority that refers to individuals with a disability in the federal government. Schedule A is a special hiring authority that gives employers an optional and faster way to hire people with disabilities. It is an exemption to the traditional competitive hiring process. Intellectual, physical and psychiatric disabilities are all eligible to apply under this hiring authority.

Murray explained why employers hire people with disabilities. One reason is because it is essentially the right thing to and would be considered discrimination if the federal government chose not to hire people with disabilities. On July 26,  2010, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, former President Barack Obama signed an executive order that increased federal employment for those with disabilities. This helped provide public access and protection from discrimination for people with disabilities.

Everyone is different and may not acquire a disability when they are born, but can develop one or more later on in their lives.

Diversity in the workforce is always a good thing for everyone. Murray believes that if people all have the same background, they will all come up with the same solution to a problem, but if diverse perspectives are included, the results are innovation, creativity new ideas and ultimately better outcomes.

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RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for and with people with disabilities. This spring, 14 Fellows had the opportunity to learn from a variety of guest speakers. Learn more about the National Leadership Program and apply for the next cohort! Contact BenS@RespectAbility.org for more information.

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Meet the Author

Tameir Yeheyes

Tameir Yeheyes is passionate about serving the community, making a difference in the world and working hard on behalf of people with disabilities. Upon graduation, she hopes to go into either nonprofit work or government agency employment.

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