Improve Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace

Did you know that people with disabilities make up the world’s largest minority group? That’s right; there are more than 1 billion people with disabilities in the world. And yet, many of them face discrimination and exclusion in the workplace. This is why it is so crucial for employers to understand what disability inclusion is, why it’s important, and take steps to improve disability inclusion in their companies.

This article will discuss what disability inclusion is and why it is so important, particularly at work. We will also give some tips and steps for employers to follow to help them improve disability inclusion at their company. 

What is Disability Inclusion? 

Disability inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people with disabilities are included in all aspects of society. This includes access to education, employment, health care, and social services. Disability inclusion means that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the workforce, receive an education, and access essential services.  

Why is Disability Inclusion Important? 

Disability inclusion is vital for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the right thing to do. People with disabilities should be treated equally and have the same opportunities as everyone else. Secondly, including people with disabilities in all aspects of society makes good business sense. Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion generally perform better financially than those that don’t.  

How Can Employers Improve Disability Inclusion? 

There are many things that employers can do to improve disability inclusion in their workplaces. Here are a few tips and steps to follow:

Create a Policy

Create a disability inclusion policy at your company. This will help your employees understand their rights as people with disabilities as well as what is expected of them in the workplace. Ensure upon starting a role at your company, new employees are versed on this policy; make sure it’s one of the first things you do. 

Make Accommodations

Ensure that you provide reasonable accommodations for employees who need them (e.g., wheelchair ramps or assistive technology).  

Easy Access

Make sure your workplace is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing ramps, elevators, and wheelchair access. 

Provide Training

Train all employees on disability etiquette and how to interact respectfully with people with disabilities. 

Set an Example

Encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace by setting an example for the rest of your company. This can include hiring and promoting people with disabilities to leadership positions and making sure that they are included in all aspects of work-life (meetings, social events, etc.) 

Provide Opportunities

Provide opportunities for networking and mentorship to employees with disabilities so that they feel like part of the team. 

Be Flexible 

Promote disability-friendly policies and practices within your company. This can include things like flexible work arrangements, accessible office equipment, and accommodations for employees with disabilities.  

By following these tips, employers can make their workplaces more inclusive for people with disabilities. And by doing so, they will be helping to create a more equal and equitable society for us all. 

If you are an employer looking to improve disability inclusion at your company, you can learn more about becoming a disability-friendly employer on our website. You can see what services we can offer you here. Alternatively, feel free to contact us with any additional queries. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all of the latest news and information from Careers with Disabilities.