October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to appreciate the unique contributions workers with disabilities bring to our economy and workplaces nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Labor highlights that companies prioritizing disability inclusion generate 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more profit, and double the earnings compared to those that don’t.
Disabilities can range from mobility challenges requiring wheelchairs or walkers to vision or hearing loss, autism, and intellectual disabilities. Temporary conditions, such as a broken leg or the effects of a serious illness like cancer, also fall under this umbrella.
Ron Padrón, diversity, equity, and inclusion director at the University of Maryland, notes that many don’t expect to encounter disability, leading to misunderstandings about its implications.
Padrón reminds us that at some point, we may all experience a form of disability, whether through aging or accidents.
Being aware of disabilities is essential—not just for ourselves but for fostering a supportive workplace. Embracing diversity and inclusion enhances workplace culture, resilience, and productivity.
While many workplaces have embraced diversity initiatives focusing on gender, race, and sexuality, disability inclusion is still often overlooked.
As of 2023, around 13 percent of the U.S. population has a disability, with many being aged 65 and older. Employment rates for those with disabilities trail significantly, with just 22.5 percent employed compared to 65.8 percent of non-disabled individuals, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences is crucial for problem-solving,” says Padrón.
Diversity initiatives not only enhance internal company operations but also benefit interactions with customers and stakeholders.
According to Lilas, enhancing understanding of varying experiences within a global customer base is key. She emphasizes the importance of communication and resource sharing among employees to build community.
At GoDaddy, the focus is on creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the tools to succeed. Facilitating conversations between employees and leadership is vital for addressing the needs of those with disabilities.
Concentrix also prioritizes support for employees by advocating for individual needs, forming employee resource groups, and ensuring accommodations align with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Christopher Redmond, a senior consultant at Concentrix, shared his journey with Parkinson’s disease. New equipment has allowed him to continue serving clients effectively, showing how supportive environments make a difference.
Padrón emphasizes the importance of recognizing that those facing unexpected disabilities often need support, patience, and flexibility during their adjustment period—a time filled with uncertainty and anxiety.
Padrón himself has dealt with a chronic condition that took years to diagnose, noting that shifts in physical ability can lead to significant emotional stress.
Georgina Dodge at UMD supports both disabled students and faculty, highlighting that such connections foster empathy and underscore our shared humanity.
“This awareness is vital,” she says, “as it nurtures compassion and a deeper understanding among us all.”