A change in the concept of how jobs are done is neccessary to make employment accessible to people with disabilities, said Mr John Dolan of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI).
Mr Dolan's comments follow today's Government announcement of up to £700,000 funding for an ICTU and IBEC initiative aimed at improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"People have to stop the policeman in their own heads. Rather than saying a disabled person could not be expected to do something, a better starting place is to ask, why not?" he said.
The joint initiative will set up regional networks to raise awareness of the employment potential of people with disabilities.
The networks will involve employers, trade unions, people with disabilities and their representatives and State bodies.
Mr Dolan said it is the first time key players in the private sector, unions and employers, are taking a focused look at the issues involved.
He said: "We have to rethink the way jobs are done and tailor methods to allow disabled people do them.
"The work can still be done but people have to be creative and thoughtful about the way in which it is done."
On announcing the funding, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Ms Harney said: "In a tight labour market, we need to remind employers that people with disabilities can contribute to meeting labour shortage in many sectors."