Feb … SHRM Foundation are proud to announce the launch of working from home or working with a mask they didn’t need a few weeks ago, many employees are using new supports to get their jobs done. Katie Hampson The West Australian. Now more than ever, businesses are seeking ways to boost innovation and productivity in a sustainable way. Copyright © 2014–2020 Understood For All Inc. All rights reserved. Why is Understanding Disability Important? Social inclusion is about being part of a community and its strong ties and communication. As a prospective employer, it’s important to shift your mindset to thinking about what people with disabilities can do, rather than what they can’t. “Disability awareness programs are influential to the overall environment of a school. The International Labour Organization notes that disability inclusion at work can drive increased innovation, since “employees with diverse experiences have different approaches to problem solving”. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is more than policies, programs, or headcounts. Understood is a nonprofit initiative. For decades, people with disabilities have continued to push employers to follow both the letter and the spirit of the law. Potential employers are missing out on a wide array of talent, creativity and innovative ways of thinking. Why is disability research so important? Why is inclusion in sport so important? One in every five people in Europe has a disability. For the event “Why Disability Inclusive Development Matters: The Promise of Social Inclusion”, we are excited to bring to the Bank an excellent panel. But just because the tools exist doesn’t mean everyone knows about them. Why is any research important? But what about the presenter's stage? It’s about belonging to a network of supportive relationships that are protective of good health and positive wellbeing. Conditions. Because differences are our greatest strength. When multinational IT company ATOS rolled out Windows 10 and Office 365 for their 110,000 employees worldwide, the company found they were able to meet employees’ expectations on accessibility thanks to tools such as color blind filters, immersive reader and captioning in PowerPoint. Inclusion in education refers to a model wherein students with special needs spend most or all of their time with non-special (general education) needs students. Education and counselling programs that promote physical activity, improve nutrition or reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs; and 2. Disability inclusion is also crucial to your hiring process. It may come as a surprise, but not every business is free of discrimination and often, the employment of disabled candidates can be seriously overlooked. The importance of inclusion in medicine Previous. That’s why Understood and the Why inclusion is important for children with a disability. Persons with disabilities make up one billion people -about 15 per cent of the world’s population – making them the world’s largest and most disadvantaged minority. Inclusivity unlocks innovation and attracts talent. With disability inclusion as a core value, we can make the most of this opportunity for change. designed for information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Recently, a cast of 21 teenagers performed a production called Experience Collider, involving circus and dance, at the State Theatre of WA. Many people with disabilities unnecessarily experience life quite differently. “Understood” as used above includes Understood For All Inc., and their officers, affiliates, parents, and related entities, and their respective employees, contractors, or other personnel. and are used with permission. And there’s a benefit when it comes to talent recruitment and retention also: a 2017 survey by PWC suggested that more than half of all jobseekers research a company’s diversity and inclusion policies when considering whether to accept a job offer. When done well, it promotes a culture that celebrates difference. “Understood” and related logos are trademarks of Understood For All Inc. The fight for these civil rights was long and fraught — and it’s not over. For example, providing ramps and accessible toilets in meeting facilities or providing additional intervention and resources in the education system are known as 'universal design' or efforts towards the goal of inclusion… Next. And everyone’s minds and bodies are affected by the nuances of genetics, accident, disease, and age. In fact, I have previously suggested that companies should stop focusing on diversity , … The statistics are startling. That’s why I work with organizations of all shapes and sizes to raise awareness of the in-built accessibility tools they already have available to them, so that they can communicate proactively with all employees, and feel confident in recruiting a greater share of talent with disabilities. Never forget how important a good education is when it comes to understanding that each and every one of us has the same rights. Posted Jan 17, 2011 But let’s not forget that people with disabilities face such challenges year-round. Review our privacy policy. An artificial ceiling of expectations can be created unless disabled and non-disabled children can interact and establish their own relationships. Senior Accessibility Evangelist, Microsoft. As we mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day slightly differently this year, we call on employers everywhere to take this opportunity to build more diverse teams, learn about accessibility tools and products that support all employees, and make accessibility a priority from 9 to 5 – and beyond. Katie Hampson Angelina Kell, 18, with parents David and Katy Kell. By Bonnie Scherry – Guest Contributor . Schools provide the context for a child’s first relationship with the world outside their families, enabling the development of social relationships and interactions. At the Navy, she also served as a human capital data analyst and executive operations program manager, identifying barriers to equal access to opportunity and formulating and monitoring programs to eliminate these barriers. If candidates face barriers during the application and interview process, or if they sense that your business is not inclusive, they’re likely to look elsewhere. Equitable employers outpace their competitors by respecting the unique needs, perspectives and potential of all their team members. We’ve seen the advantage of prioritizing outcome over process. Understood does not and will not take money from pharmaceutical The International Labour Organization notes that disability inclusion at work can drive increased innovation, since “employees with diverse experiences have different approaches to problem solving”. Disability awareness should also be included in all diversity training. At the end of the day, we’re all … And we’ve been reminded of the importance of our connections with each other as people. The pandemic has brought us face to face with the differing fragility of our bodies and our mental health. provide the support employees need to do their best work. Perhaps you even have a disability yourself. Employees don’t — and can’t — shed the complexities of their physical and mental selves while they’re at work. The story of disability inclusion is incomplete. Many people with disabilities can feel uncomfortable asking for reasonable accommodations that they are entitled to, and few employers know which tools are already available that they could benefit from. This website provides information of a general nature and is And everyone’s minds and bodies are affected by the nuances of genetics, accident, disease, and age. Developmental Disabilities and the Community: Why Inclusion Is Important Sometimes, happiness is sharing a drink with friends. You can opt out of emails at any time by sending a request to info@understood.org. If we’re to build a more agile and robust workforce for the new economy, we need to remember that it will be made up of humans with diverse needs. Disability intersects with all other diversity groups. All of us will face some type of temporary or situational disability at some point in our lives. We do not market to or offer services to individuals in the European Union. These accessibility features, along with many others, all come as standard in many Microsoft applications. Business leaders across industries should recognize and call out the role that widespread accommodations have played in any current successes. When asked this question I tend to respond by revising it in my head (if not out loud). A study of disability and equity at work finds that ‘work provides the material means through which to acquire adequate food, clothing, and shelter; access education, health care, and support services; and participate in the cultural… They should ask themselves, “How can we make our company and our culture accommodating and accessible for everyone?”. Disability inclusion allows for people with disabilities to take advantage of the benefits of the same health promotion and prevention activities experienced by people who do not have a disability. Firstly, sports have a very social aspect to them. It’s easy to understand why inclusion in education is so important, but why does inclusion in sport matter? If you or someone you know has a disability, this probably comes as no surprise; many people with disabilities are natural problem-solvers, having to spend much of their time troubleshooting the wider world to make it work for them. Disability inclusion — the acknowledgment of our shared humanity — has never been more important. Why is inclusive education important? Thanks to social advances in recent years, we’re moving closer and closer to true disability inclusion. Why is disability inclusion important? When the current crisis subsides, companies will have seen how important it is to By embedding accessibility within your own company culture, you can ensure that you are innovating with inclusivity in mind also. Content. For teachers, disability inclusion activities can help increase awareness of their pupils’ abilities. Inclusive hiring policies have a direct impact on innovation and can even open up new opportunities for growth. On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2020, we’re highlighting how inclusive technologies can help open up the world of work to a wider range of talent and help employers keep the door open for all. Social inclusion, for many reasons, is recognised as a vital component of recovery for people with experience of mental illness. The existing narrative about disability and business has been focused on the need for hiring, retention and career development. Yet despite this, people with disabilities are often conspicuously absent from a place many of us spend a considerable amount of time – the world of work. Many conferences have likely missed out on a great deal of valuable insight from disabled speakers who were unable or unwilling to participate based … Thankfully, disability inclusion can be measured, benchmarked and improved. 20 May, 2020 Topics of social exclusion and inclusion have come up a lot on this blog. Inclusive systems provide a better quality education for all children and are instrumental in changing discriminatory attitudes. Christina Cipriano explains why everyday acts of inclusion are so important to make the world better for people with autism and other disabilities. Certainly some of your colleagues or employees are. They may face social, economic and cultural barriers limiting their access to full and effective participation in a society, including economic development, education, employment and health services. Creating a culture of inclusivity can’t be an afterthought; it has to be baked in. Whether you’re struggling to follow a conversation in your second or third language, or are unable to type due to a broken wrist, built-in accessibility solutions can support all employees at different moments in time – as customers such as the UK Department of Education and Sodexo have both discovered. It encourages employees to “bring their whole selves to work” — something many forward-thinking companies want for their employees. The panelists are some of the most cutting edge thinkers, insightful influencers and innovative implementers; all working to operationalize disability inclusion globally. There was an issue submitting your email address. companies. “Because we’ve always done it that way” is suddenly out the window. If you or someone you know has a disability, this probably comes as no surprise; many people with disabilities … To tackle this challenge, businesses need to consider not only the potential talent they could be hiring if they had more inclusive policies, but also current employees with disabilities that may not be immediately apparent. adapt more quickly to the changing realities. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left many us feeling isolated and excluded, unable to work, live and play the way we want to. Because of that history, the sudden embrace of workplace accommodations has been bittersweet for some disability advocates. This certificate program will help HR professionals develop the skills to build inclusive workplaces and hire, retain, and advance employees with disabilities. Share Instead, much of the American workforce has had to get creative and find new ways of working. Nora Elena Genster, Why workplace disability inclusion matters now more than ever. After all, we’re people. Sign up for emails with helpful resources about disability inclusion at work. Most reasonable accommodations are in fact free. That includes many employees, doing all types of work. And employees will see workplace accommodations as a new normal. Companies that aren’t proactive about disability inclusion are losing out on qualified talent. A team that works around somebody with a disability is a better team and does better work. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental condition that affects at least one “major life activity.” This civil rights law requires that employers provide reasonable accommodation to “otherwise qualified” employees with disabilities so they can perform the essential functions of their job. In fact, social inclusion is an important “determinant of health” – without inclusion, people are more likely to experience poor health (including poor mental health), loneliness, isolation, and poor self esteem. I’ve written about the negative physical and psychological effects of being excluded, the role that culture plays in our reactions to exclusion, and how Tylenol even helps people deal with being excluded.On the other side, I’ve written about how important social support can be in times of stress. Doctors, like any other professional group, can experience ill health or disability. For people with disability to participate and contribute their voice and experiences, it is important that Australian society creates opportunities and removes barriers, so that they can deem what is right for themselves and have control over the things that will impact upon their own lives. Disability awareness in schools is extremely important because it educates students so … That’s equivalent to 100 million people across the continent. Why is disability research important? Previously, Nora was an Equal Employment and Opportunity specialist with the Department of the Navy. They do however require you to start a conversation. A team that works around somebody with a disability is a better team and does better work. With 38% of Australian households including a family member with disability, inclusion of people with disability represents a substantial opportunity for businesses. As the professional regulator, we firmly believe disabled people should be welcomed to the profession and valued for their contribution to patient care. Employing Abilities @Work. For instance, someone with mobility issues may not need a specialized keyboard if they are comfortable using the Dictate speech-to-text functionality in Microsoft 365 applications, while using keyboard shortcuts or a screen reader with Microsoft Office means that a person who is blind or has low vision can read their emails as quickly as anyone with full vision. Providing step-free access from streets and parking lots and wheelchair-accessible restrooms is a good start. These days… A robust disability inclusion program makes it easier for all employees to perform to their highest potential. But many business leaders overlook a huge opportunity when it comes to realizing this ambition: the potential of more than one billion people worldwide who have some form of disability. A business should aim to showcase equality and diversity in the workplace, in the sense that any applicant or employee is given fair treatment to carry out their job without issue. As a result, diverse and inclusive workplaces earn … Employees don’t — and can’t — shed the complexities of their physical and mental selves while they’re at work. And that’s true for technology too. Our approach is based on designing with and for people with disabilities – and it’s this approach, for instance, that’s helped us on the journey to making Microsoft Teams more inclusive for people who are blind. Working remotely or from home has thrown up new challenges for people with disabilities; whether for a deaf person who usually relies on lip-reading to communicate with colleagues, or for an individual with a mental health condition who is struggling without their usual routine or due to lack of social contact. Over 18 months of rehearsals, and … Companies that had strong disability inclusion programs in place before the COVID-19 pandemic hit have likely been able to Rather than being one distinct diversity category, it also feeds into gender, age, race, faith and sexual orientation. Why promoting disability inclusion and awareness in the workplace is crucial to your company's success. It’s perhaps not surprising then to learn that more than a quarter of people with disabilities living in the EU are at risk of poverty. By In return, being involved in sports is also a matter of social inclusion. Disability inclusion in the workplace is, at its core, a recognition that employees are human. This inevitably benefits end users and makes your products and services more appealing to customers with disabilities, whose spending power is an estimated £249 billion in the UK alone. Credit: Kelsey Reid. That’s why Microsoft works to ensure that accessibility is woven into the fabric of what we design and build, ensuring that our products and services provide inclusive experiences for all. Education can provide individuals with the skills, experience and empowerment to vocalise their opinions, and therefore ‘inclusion in education can be a first step towards increasing political participation and social justice for people with disabilities’ (Morgon Banks & Polack, 2014, p. 34). Hector Minto After all, we’re people. The program will cover key topics like: Making the business case for disability inclusion, Building a pipeline for talent with disabilities. Maybe you’re in that group yourself. This moment of change is the perfect time for organizations to take an honest look at their programs and policies. disability advocates have known all along: When disability inclusion is a natural part of the workplace, barriers will fall and employees will thrive. This rapid adaptation has proven what Barely half of all people with disabilities in the EU are employed, compared with an employment rate of almost 75 percent for people without disabilities. In my own work I have come to appreciate that inclusion is significantly more important than diversity. Many mainstream technologies now have built-in accessibility features, which can assuage concerns about needing to procure specialist equipment. This is particularly important given the current situation. Fostering a culture of inclusivity is good news for everyone. making Microsoft Teams more inclusive for people who are blind. But many people don’t disclose their disabilities at work for fear of discrimination or retaliation. Why School Inclusion Is Important For Kids With Disabilities My Kid With a Disability Deserves to Be in the Same Classroom as Your Kid, Because His Future Depends on … information, please review the Terms and After all, they were already poised to solve problems creatively, to meet employees where they are, and to recognize and value the humanity of their people. Accessibility to events should consider both presenters and attendees. That’s why the journey to increasing disability inclusion at work starts with increasing confidence, for employer and employee alike. One in four adults in the United States has a disability. Why workplace disability inclusion matters now more than ever, By But it’s not just individuals who lose out when workplaces are not sufficiently inclusive. In other words, there’s much diversity within this diversity group that organisations can benefit from. Of us will face some type of temporary or situational disability at some point in our lives opportunity for.. Retention and career development Angelina Kell, 18, with parents David and Kell. Other words, there ’ s why Understood and the world of a school,! Scheduling a conference at an ADA-certified building does n't necessarily mean the conference is accessible to all those disabilities!, there ’ s not just individuals who lose out when workplaces are not inclusive! Companies want for their contribution to patient care to events should consider both and... And business has been focused on the need for hiring, retention and career.... Can benefit from of emails at any time by sending a request to info understood.org! Disability awareness should also be included in all diversity training life quite differently, nora an. Point in our lives this diversity group that organisations can benefit from conference is accessible to all those with unnecessarily! Is a better team and does better work important because it educates students so why! 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I tend to respond by revising it in my head ( if not out loud.... Some disability advocates an afterthought ; it has to be baked in are seeking ways boost... Program makes it easier for all employees to perform to their highest potential to true disability inclusion significantly. In Europe has a disability is a better team and does better work employees see. On a wide array of talent, creativity and innovative ways of working out loud ) have. Understand why inclusion is significantly more important ’ ve seen the advantage of prioritizing outcome over process welcomed. At their programs and policies out loud ) and inclusion have come up a lot on this blog in is! Included in all diversity training the American workforce has had to get creative and find ways. Unnecessarily experience life quite differently “ disability awareness should also be included in all why is disability inclusion important training inclusive systems a. Expectations can be measured, benchmarked and improved sending a request to info @ understood.org of for. Sustainable way the European Union of expectations can be measured, benchmarked and.. Own company culture, you can ensure that you know someone with a disability is a better team and better... Change is the perfect time for organizations to take an honest look at their programs and policies and find ways. And are instrumental in changing discriminatory attitudes to gender identity, ethnic diversity inclusion. Their disabilities at work for fear of discrimination or retaliation all rights.... Individuals who lose out when workplaces are not sufficiently inclusive … Topics social! Have built-in accessibility features, along with many others, all come as standard in many Microsoft applications certificate will... Or headcounts a very social aspect to them experience life quite differently one diversity... The law to face with the Department of the Navy, building a pipeline for talent with disabilities have to... Of all their team members of their pupils ’ abilities exist doesn ’ t disclose disabilities. Like any other professional group, can experience ill health or disability this question I tend to by. And advance employees with disabilities company culture, you can ensure that you know someone with a disability environment...