“Do not assume someone with a disability is not able to do something.”

When Chris Dunlavy was 32, he began noticing gaps within his vision. It was most recognizable while playing sports – golf and softball.

After going to the doctor hoping that routine eyeglasses could help, a retina specialist diagnosed him with cone-rod dystrophy. The genetic eye disease causes the cones and rods in a person’s retina to deteriorate, leading to vision loss.

Dunlavy has progressively lost his vision over 14 years.

Now part of the ethics and compliance team at Eli Lilly, Dunlavy recently sat down with United Way of Central Indiana to share his story and talk about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is recognized in October.

The month is intended to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities bring to the workplace and bring awareness to disability employment issues.

(This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.)

Can you tell us a bit about the importance and meaning of National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

This month is all about creating awareness about individuals in the workplace with disability and how organizations can be doing things to better understand what those individuals have to offer.

It is also to create awareness about the high unemployment rate for those who are differently abled. In Indiana, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 70% or higher. Many are unaware of the incredible abilities individuals with disabilities have and their wide range of skillsets.

The awareness also is focused on realizing all the different obstacles people with disabilities face in the workplace and how to be their allies. We ask questions others may not have to worry about, like: Should I disclose disability? Will the organization be accommodating to my disability? Flexibility is extremely important in the workplace. Is the current workflow and process working for me and others with disabilities? What can we do to make sure each person can perform at their best and be the best for our team?

How can individuals without disabilities be the best advocates and allies for their peers with disabilities?

Each person must be their own best advocate. When you have a disability, you must advocate for your needs and the value you bring to a workplace.

As someone with a disability, it is important that I understand what works best for me and what does not. I must be able to communicate that with a potential and current employer. This is crucial so that I can be effective and do the best job that I can do. This looks different for each person.

For me, it requires software on my computer that helps me perform for my job duties.

As an advocate, someone must understand that adapting to a disability may change over time and evolve. It is always a learning experience to ensure someone has all the resources they need to be successful.

Lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions. Building a relationship with individuals with disability in the workplace is an excellent way to be an advocate. Ask them questions and build a relationship with them to ensure you can be an ally for them on your team. As with any relationship, trust is special, and building trust takes time.

Are there any stigmas or stereotypes you want to debunk?

Do not assume someone with a disability is not able to do something.

People often assume someone needs their help or cannot perform a certain task due to their disability.

This is where it is important to ask questions and build a relationship so you can have an open line of communication about the ways you may be able to help if it is needed.

I always work harder to be able to do something when someone assumes I cannot; it may be my competitive spirit. I think it is important to put more of an emphasis on what individuals with disabilities can do versus what we cannot.

What message would you like to give companies that employ, or are considering employing, individuals who are disabled?

I am an example of someone with a disability. Having the opportunity to be a part of a company, a team, and a mission is instrumental in my life. I also bring value to this team and our mission. It is more than just a paycheck; it brings me a lot of pride to be a part of something.

It really means everything to someone with a disability to be able to socially interact with others and have community. It means a lot to me.

From an employer standpoint, there really are many benefits. You have individuals that bring value to your company and represent probably a large portion of your audience or client/customer base. It is important to have different voices at the table.

I really want to encourage those in a position to make a difference from a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to consider hiring those with disabilities. Hiring people with disabilities just makes your company better.

As an ambassador for United Way at Eli Lilly, can you tell us about how United Way of Central Indiana has been a part of your story?

United Way has been an irreplaceable part of my recovery. I did my rehabilitation at one of United Way’s community-based partners, Bosma Enterprises.

I needed to learn how to live with my blindness, and Bosma helped me do that. I was able to partner with Bosma to learn the adaptive skills I needed to get to where I am today.

United Way is a part of my journey because of their financial support of Bosma and their role as a resource in the community. I was lucky to realize this connection and the importance of United Way in our community.

I am now a big advocate for knowing the different services and resources in our community; United Way is an excellent resource for this.

I know when I lost my vision, I had no idea what was available to me, and luckily, I was able to get connected to Bosma.

United Way is helping individuals in our community overcome challenges and obstacles.