In a compelling panel discussion hosted by Diversity Works and joined by experts Anessa Powell, AllAbility Recruiting; Elizabeth Rotter-Sramenko, Lingvano; and Janet LaBreck, Synergy Consulting Partners, shed light on the powerful impact of attracting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities. With a staggering 42 million Americans – 13% of the population – living with disabilities, this diverse talent pool offers a wealth of unique perspectives and skills poised to drive organizational success. In case you missed it, the link to our presentation is here.
The panel’s insights highlighted the importance of avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to disability inclusion in the workplace. A commitment to accessibility must permeate every facet of the company’s culture, becoming an unwavering part of your DEI core values that guide decision-making and process design. This commitment should exude authenticity and clarity from an organization’s website to job postings and beyond, resonating with prospective talents and existing team members alike. For instance, utilizing inclusive language for disabilities in job applications and building meaningful relationships within the disability community are pivotal steps in this journey.
Our experts underscored the pressing need to address unconscious biases to cultivate an environment where individuals feel empowered to disclose their disabilities. By providing ongoing disability awareness training and encouraging open dialogues centered around accessibility, companies can create a space that nurtures disability inclusion in the workplace.
Importantly, integrating disability inclusion seamlessly into broader DEI strategies emerges as a defining hallmark of a truly inclusive organization. By acknowledging the intersectionality between disability and other identities, companies demonstrate their unwavering commitment to equitable representation.
Diversity Works has created a sheet of Disability Employment Resources to assist organizations in learning more about attracting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities.
Learn more about our panelists here:
- Janet LaBreck, Synergy Consulting Partners
- Anessa Powell, AllAbility Recruiting;
- Elizabeth Rotter-Sramenko , Lingvano
DEI Leader Network
Every third Thursday, we host an event for this community of DEI Practitioners. Please join next month’s live event, Creative Budgeting for DEI Programs, on August 17th at 1:00 PM ET. This session will explore how DEI leaders can work with other departments to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. When different departments join forces to fund DEI programs, it fosters collective accountability and dedication to enhance the company’s culture. You can register for the live event here.
About Diversity Works
Diversity Works helps organizations understand and leverage the power of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
