Inclusion and opportunity: PcD employee brings inspiring story

The National Day of Action for People with Disabilities, celebrated on September 21, is an important milestone in raising awareness about rights, inclusion and the fight against prejudice. More than a commemorative date, this day reminds us of the importance of concrete actions to guarantee accessibility, equity and opportunity for all. On this day, we're highlighting the story of an employee who has made a history of growth at Energisa and inspires everyone around him.

Today, Maikon Douglas is the administrator of Energisa Mato Grosso's Integrated Operations Center (IOC), where he receives service orders and has to calculate priorities and deadlines in order to move the field teams to the services. It's a job that requires attention, responsibility and knowledge of the customer's needs.

Maikon suffered a motorcycle accident in 2012 and lost his left leg. He joined Energisa in 2022, in a call for PwD professionals. With previous experience working in a call centerMaikon started out at Energisa in this role too, but it didn't take him long to progress in his career, moving on to other jobs.

What I've noticed since my first day here is that the treatment of PwD employees is different from my previous experiences. We have room to grow in the company, we are encouraged to do so - of course, you have to show hard work and have the will to advance in your career. Being treated as an equal, without prejudice and with the care that each person needs, is very gratifying," said Maikon.

Energisa has a number of vacancies open for preferential or exclusive hiring for PwD professionals throughout Brazil, especially in the administrative, commercial and technology areas. Applications can be made at grupoenergisa.gupy.io. In addition to promoting inclusion through employment opportunities, the company promotes a culture of respect for diversity, taking care to ensure that corporate facilities are adapted to welcome every employee, regardless of physical or sensory limitations.

Another important thing is that the work environment is 100% prepared for accessibility. I can move freely from the sidewalk in front of the building to my workstation and other company departments. The other day, we had a new colleague join the company who needed a lower workstation, with a desk and chair suitable for her height. The company not only provided it, but also renovated the bathroom, adapting the environment for her. That's something special," Maikon recalls.

Maikon also plays for a wheelchair basketball team called Cuiabrasa. Next month, the team will travel to take part in a national championship in Niterói.

In wheelchair basketball, I found a place to exercise and have fun. It's an intense sport. You have to run, turn, brake, score and attack. And I was a more sedentary person, I didn't do any physical exercise. With basketball, I've changed my physical conditioning, I've gained more breath and stamina," says Maikon.

Wheelchair basketball is one of the oldest Paralympic sports. At the last Paralympics in Paris 2024, Brazil unfortunately didn't qualify. However, overall, the country had its best finish in the medals table, coming fifth. The result is the fruit of continued work and solid investment in PwD athletes.

On National Disability Day, Energisa Group reaffirms its commitment to inclusion and to valuing every employee, believing that together we can build a fairer and more accessible future for all.