Disability inclusion “is still not firmly embedded in the diversity and inclusion agenda”, according to The Valuable 500.
New international data reveals that only 3% of media articles discussing diversity actually referenced disability; and this has only risen by 1% in the last five years, confirmed the non-profit. In addition, despite references to ‘disability’ in the media rising by 55% in the last five years, only one in three articles talking about disability actually referenced business.
It is clear that while there is a growing increase in awareness around disability inclusion, it is still not as firmly embedded in the diversity and inclusion agenda as it should be. It’s actually often “a forgotten aspect of this conversation – particularly when it comes to business leadership”. That’s why The Valuable 500, dedicated to putting disability on the global business leadership agenda, is working to tackle this critical issue.
FAIR & ACCESSIBLE SOCIETY FOR ALL
International Day of Persons with Disabilities “is a day for celebrating the immense contribution persons with disabilities bring to business and society more broadly”, stated Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500. “This 15% of the global population bring diversity of thought and lived experience and a wealth of talent, all vital for the business sustainability agenda. But it must also be a day of reflection, because we are not there yet with disability inclusion, and a fair and accessible society for all.”
The Valuable 500 is therefore calling for a shift in mentality, and for business and society alike to make the next decade the decade of disruption when it comes to inclusion of persons with disabilities. Ensuring disability inclusion is firmly embedded within the whole business supply chain will not be achieved in a single day of awareness – but it can be a critical focus for the next 10 years as the world looks to build back better.
On a positive note, Casey confirmed that there are now over 360 CEOs that have signed up to The Valuable 500 – the largest network of global CEOs committed to disability inclusion. Several global companies, such as Allianz, American Express, Expedia Group, FARFETCH, GSMA, L’Oréal, Philip Morris International, Philips and Schindler Group, pledged to put disability inclusion on their board agendas on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as reported.
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