Editorial | Those with special needs are capable of adding special value
- With the right support, Hong Kong employers can reap the benefits as seen by the likes of entrepreneur Richard Branson and Olympic champion Simone Biles
A survey of Hong Kong firms has found that more than three-quarters have never employed young people with special needs. While that might come as little surprise, the silver lining was that about three-quarters of them expressed an interest in doing so in the future.
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups said 76.5 per cent of firms polled said they had never hired someone with special education needs.
The survey’s list of special needs included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia – which along with Aspergers are regarded as neurodiversity – as well as speech and language impairments.
Miranda Wong Ho-yee, a federation supervisor, said employers shared concerns about the additional time for training and questions over whether the jobs were the right fit for these youth.
They also said they would be more likely to hire them if they were made aware of the candidate’s special needs, had help in work delegation, and received regular support from social workers.
Collaborative internship programmes also would help. Firms experienced in hiring special needs workers said internships, assistance from social workers and a willingness to understand the needs and strengths of the employee facilitated a good fit with the workplace.
