Who These Resources Are For
The Disability:IN ERG/BRG Leadership Committee created this toolkit to share resources and best practices with each other. We have included information on how to start and develop a disability-focused affinity group, as well as how an ERG/BRG can promote disability inclusion through the employment life cycle, positively impact company goals, and enable employees with disabilities to bring their whole selves to work.
Why Employee/Business Resource Groups Matter
Employee Resources Groups (ERGs) go by many different names (i.e., Affinity Groups, Business Resource Groups, Employee Network Groups), but regardless of what they are called, they share a common purpose. Catalyst defines them as “a voluntary, employee-led group that serves as a resource for members and organizations by fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, practices, and objectives. Other benefits include the development of future leaders, increased employee engagement, and expanded marketplace reach.”
You may have heard the saying “Nothing about us without us.” Disability ERGs play an important role in ensuring the collective voices of employees with disabilities within their organizations are heard. ERGs can identify accessibility and inclusion gaps in the workplace including programs including, but not limited to those related to hiring, employee development, retention, benefits, and digital & physical accessibility. They can also offer insights on how to improve products and services for and marketing to individuals with disabilities resulting in positive impact to the overall business and market share.
How to Use the Toolkit
The resources are meant to be used as a general guide and to provide ideas on best practices that you may want to consider implementing within your ERG/BRG, understanding that organizations have different company cultures and business needs that may drive the execution and success of any given initiative.
A Note on Language
Throughout this toolkit, you will see both person-first language and identity-first language. We understand that individuals who identify as disabled will have their own preference so rather than choose one, we use both. You will also see the terms Employee Resource Group (ERG) and Business Resources Group (BRG) used interchangeably. You may also see some of the resources with Associate Resource Group (ARG), Employee Network (EN), or even other names for these employee groups, as different companies use different terminology when referring to their network groups.
We Value Your Feedback
The ERG/BRG Leadership committee is continually updating this toolkit with information and resources that might be useful to leaders of disability ERG/BRGs. If there is something missing that you would like to see included in the toolkit or if you have a resource or best practice you would like to add, send an email to [email protected].
Join the E/BRG Leadership Committee
Disability:IN Corporate Partners are invited to appoint up to 2 representatives to this committee by sending names & contact information to [email protected]. The Committee typically meets virtually 3 times per year and once in-person at the Disability:IN Annual Conference.
Not a Disability:IN partner yet? Find out more about how to become a corporate partner by sending your inquiry to [email protected].