Disability inclusion: the unexpected opportunities for better business growth
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) often focus on gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation — and with good reasons. Yet disability inclusion, a frequently overlooked DEI component, is critical to creating truly welcoming workplaces. If you’re no stranger to this blog, you already know that only about 4% of organizations with DEI policies consider disability as part of their protected characteristics. What this means is that most people living with disabilities are usually very poorly supported in the workplace or as a consumer base — when supported at all…
More than a blatant policy gap, this significant oversight is a missed opportunity for organizational growth, innovation, and connection with a broader audience. It would be tempting to approach it as just another checkbox for social responsibility; as it turns out, disability inclusion is a crucial aspect of a truly diverse and inclusive organization.
Organizations that fail to include people with disabilities in their DEI initiatives not only do a disservice to a significant portion of their workforce but also miss out on the unique perspectives and skills that these people bring. By overlooking this aspect, they build walls, not bridges… These barriers prevent full participation and contribution from all employees. This…
