On World Disability Day marked on December 3 every year, Diversity Digest looks at how workplaces can welcome persons with disabilities.
According to the United Nations, in developing countries, 80% to 90% of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed, whereas, in industrialized countries, the figure is between 50% and 70%.
However, the talent pool in the group has been recognized by a few companies. The Most Inclusive Companies Index by Avtar and Seramount looks at intentionality among companies regarding diversity strands, including disability. It illustrates that disability inclusion is crucial for exemplars and champions.
The 100 Best Companies for Women in India also have bias filters (53%) to provide opportunities for the talent pool. The 2022 MICI exemplars and champions hire 4660 people with disabilities. These companies have a host of programs like career sponsorship, and customized leadership development programs, apart from referral programs and internal audits for the group.
So, how do companies benefit?
Hiring persons with disabilities is a win-win situation. While the talent pool gets the opportunity, the companies secure the advantages of a diverse talent pool, meaning improved productivity, innovation, increased retention, and reputation.
For those contemplating embarking on the disability inclusion journey, here are some ways to do it:
Get leaders to commit: Buy-in at the top is crucial for any inclusion. Once you have it, you can begin with policies and programs to focus on hiring the group. An impactful statement by the CEO will have a positive effect on employees and stakeholders.
Remove barriers: This step involves looking at the recruitment process and adding the required bias filters. Job descriptions should convey in clear terms that disability is no bar.
Become accessible: For beginners, an accessibility audit helps them understand the infrastructural changes. Conducting training sessions for the employees and managers ensures that they know the steps required to become inclusive. Ensure that any new construction planned passes the accessibility test.
Disability inclusion is a continuous journey with a whole gamut of disabilities visible in the talent pool. However, the beginning of it is the right intent—to include all.
