Disability:IN, a nonprofit organization that encourages inclusion in the workplace, has launched trainings to help people with disabilities better tell their personal stories during the job seeking process.
Why it matters: Even as companies continue to prioritize inclusion, only 4% of businesses incorporate people with disabilities into their workplace initiatives, according to the most recent report by Return on Disability.
The big picture: As the legalities of race- or gender-based hiring and promotion practices come into question, companies are reframing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI).
- Instead of DEI, terminology like “inclusion” and “culture of belonging” is being used. This includes employing people with disabilities.
State of play: The employment rate for Americans with disabilities reached a record high in 2023 according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- In response, employers across industries are incorporating more accessible communications.
Yes, but: First, they need to land the job.
- Disability:IN’s offerings includes a session on personal branding, social media presence and sharing your disability story in formal and informal settings.
- Other communication-specific courses focus on in-person and virtual presentation and a guide to professional networking.
What they’re saying: Honing communications skills as a person with a disability — from navigating networking as a person who is blind, to preparing presentations as someone on the autism spectrum — can be quite different, especially because of biases, said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN.
- Disability:IN hopes this training will “empower individuals to embrace their identity while mastering essential skills [that allow for] personal growth and career advancement,” Houghton added.
