October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This observance aims to bring awareness to the contributions of disabled workers as well as showcase inclusive employment practices.
By realizing the importance of these practices, we reaffirm that the disabled community is given equal opportunity to thrive and succeed in the workplace. Promoting a disability-inclusive workplace environment further reflects the diversity of American society and the importance of national economic stability.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy has chosen to highlight “Advancing Access and Equity” as the theme for this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “Advancing Access and Equity” in the workplace reassures that employees
should be valued based on their skills, knowledge and abilities rather than physical characteristics.
Companies that follow this trend ensure success for their employees and the company as a whole. A recent joint study between Accenture and the American Association of People with Disabilities concluded that companies offering the most inclusive working environment for disabled employees achieved an average of 28% higher revenue, 30% greater economic profit
margins and twice the net income of their industry peers between 2015 and 2018.
Unfortunately, “Advancing Access and Equity” in the workplace is often hindered by systematic ableism and implicit biases. As individuals, we must overcome these hindrances by fostering inclusive environments where every employee is guaranteed an ample opportunity to reach their full potential.
Together, we can guarantee these opportunities by advocating for causes such as accurate disclosures of wage data, implementation of diversity training, the prioritization of equitable representation amongst workforce leadership and the importance of reviewing and updating hiring practices.
In observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I encourage you to practice “Advancing Access and Equity” in your journey as a Wabash man.
Avoiding talking down to your peers and faculty with disabilities, considering donating to disability charities, asking before assisting peers and promoting general kindness towards your Wabash brothers are all simple ways to promote access and equity for our thriving disabled community.
As you practice these simple tasks over time, I hope they will become habitual. This habitual practice provides ”Access and Equity” not only for the Wabash disabled community of today but also for the disabled community of Wabash’s future.