I find people with disabilities who do not live independently are not capable of taking on responsibility or being effective at work.”
The above was a mean-spirited, unfounded, pointed remark directed at a professional colleague with a disability who was not living independently. It was a purposeful attempt to demoralize this new co-worker and discredit her in the eyes of fellow co-workers. The attempt succeeded, as it was a short-term job with a possibility of extension. Co-workers supported their new colleague but were fearful of their positions, as the person who made the remark was their senior. As a result, they more so supported and socialized with the new colleague when their superior was not around. The organisation professed to be inclusive and team oriented, but this new colleague felt like she had be sent off to Coventry. It made it very difficult for her to do her job, demonstrate her abilities, and for co-workers to get to know her better.