Turning the Tide: The Ripple Effect of Disability Inclusion
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) spotlights the vital role of disability inclusion and disabled talent in fostering inclusive, equitable workplaces.
The global workforce is experiencing an influx of talent with disabilities, as evidenced by rising rates of new hires who self-identify their disability status during onboarding. Across multiple markets, the median percentage of new hires self-disclosing is 4%, with a higher 5% median in the U.S. [2024 Disability Equality Index Report] These figures surpass the self-identification rates for current employees, which stand at 3.5% median across markets and 4% median in the U.S. While these numbers seem incremental, and we know that disability remains drastically under-reported, they signal a promising universal shift. As more individuals feel empowered to openly identify their disabilities, it’s imperative that companies adapt their talent acquisition & retention strategies accordingly.
Coupled with the rise of global corporate disability reporting directives, particularly the emerging EU legislation, the need for businesses to prioritize disability inclusion and employment has never been more urgent. Organizations navigating this evolving landscape should consider prioritizing the development of comprehensive approaches that can help attract, retain, and advance employees with disabilities. This might include implementing accessible procurement practices to ensure workplace technologies and environments are inclusive from the start or leveraging Employee/Business Resource Groups (E/BRGs) to foster a culture of belonging and drive disability inclusion initiatives.
Don’t forget to add Alt Text!
Gradient dark blue background with white and green gradient curved lines creating a layered circle behind a green gradient globe beside the text Disability Employment Awareness Month. A green to blue gradient line borders the bottom.
Spread the Word on Social
Use the Social Media Toolkit to spark conversations about disability employment awareness month with your networks.
ERGs/BRGs: We Want to Hear from You!
Is your employee/business resource group planning an event(s) for DEAM? Let us know! Tell us what you’re planning by submitting this form to be highlighted on the Disability:IN Socials and in our weekly emails.
Learn about the Global Landscape of
Disability Employment & Inclusion
Disability Inclusion in the EU
Explore emerging European legislation such as the CSRD, CSDD, and the EAA and learn what implications it might have for your business.
The Disability Inclusion Imperative
Discover the business imperative for disability inclusion in this report from Disability:IN and Accenture.
On the Verge Research Series
The On the Verge research series dives into disability & sustainability reporting. Together, market pressures and regulatory modernization are driving disability data into public workforce disclosures. Read the series here.
Accessible Procurement
Accessible procurement plays a critical role in advancing inclusion in the workplace and employment opportunities for disabled professionals. Learn how your organization can sign the Procure Access statement here.
10 Years of Impact
Over 387,000 people with disabilities have been hired through Inclusion Works companies. Discover the program’s 10 years of Impact and learn how your company can join.
Disability-Owned Businesses
Disability:IN’s 718 certified Disability-Owned Businesses (DOBEs) generate $2.6B in revenue and 15.3k jobs. What if 1% of procurement spend went to DOBEs? Discover the economic impact in this infographic.
