Reducing linguistic profiling of individuals with communication disabilities to enhance careers: avoiding assumptions based on speech, language and communication mode
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to support employers in avoiding linguistic profiling of individuals with communication disabilities; thereby reducing their exclusion from the workforce. It provides employers and others in the workplace with examples of speech, language and communication differences, common false stereotypes and assumptions, and strategies to prevent and address the negative effects of linguistic profiling.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper offers a general overview of linguistic profiling as it relates to individuals with communication disabilities. Pertinent examples and findings from previous literature are included to illustrate linguistic profiling across speech, language and mode of communication, and to provide recommendations for inclusive workplace practices to ensure that career success is accessible to individuals with communication disabilities.
Findings
Linguistic profiling is a barrier to successful and inclusive employment for individuals with communication disabilities. Education, training and the use of inclusive practices can reduce linguistic profiling of individuals with communication disabilities in the workplace.
Originality/value
Though linguistic profiling used to make inferences of social constructs such as race and gender has long been discussed, little discussion surrounds individuals with communication disabilities and the impact it has in their lives and careers. This paper uniquely highlights communication disability in the linguistic profiling discussion so that organizations can be more aware of the impact and the need to create supportive and inclusive workplace environments and in turn reduce discrimination and increase diversity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The first author of this publication completed this work during a postdoctoral research fellowship funded by a Track H Convergence Accelerator grant (Award Number: 2236352) from the National Science Foundation.
Citation
Caldwell, N.S., Holyfield, C., Lorah, E. and Rackensperger, T. (2024), "Reducing linguistic profiling of individuals with communication disabilities to enhance careers: avoiding assumptions based on speech, language and communication mode", Career Development International, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-07-2023-0230
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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