Self identification enables organizations to better understand their global workforce, facilitate dialogue, and create programs that support diverse employees. Employees with disabilities, however, might be reluctant to self-identify for a variety of valid reasons. A disability-focused Employee or Business Resource Group (E/BRG) can be a key partner as it can help shape the narrative surrounding global self identification and disability disclosure. This session will examine how E/BRGs can add value by creating an inclusive and disability confident workplace by increasing transparency and encouraging all employees to share personal experiences through authentic storytelling.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explore the definitions of and differences between self identification and self disclosure, and the appropriate role for each in global workforce representation metrics, requests for reasonable accommodations, and fostering a disability-inclusive culture.
  2. Learn how to craft an enterprise definition of disability and universal key messaging to create global consistency and establish norms so employees understand if their medical condition is considered a disability for the purpose of self-identification.
  3. Discover strategies for collaborating with other diverse ERGs to enhance global self identification efforts.

Moderator: 

Jennifer Flinn, Integration Manager/ Ability ERG Chair at McKesson

Panelists: 

  • Rana Saab, Director of Inclusion & Diversity at Starbucks
  • Judith Dickson, Claims Operations Manager at Liberty Mutual
  • Kathy Martinez, Vice President, Disability Inclusion at Expedia  
  • Glenda Valero, Human Resources Director at Chevron