Disability and embracing the untapped talent: Exclusive Signatory Event - 2nd December 2024

​As we marked Disability History Month (14th November - 20th December), it was the perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made—and the work still to be done—toward creating truly inclusive workplaces.

Key Takeaways:
Disabled employees bring invaluable strengths to the workplace: innovative problem-solving, diverse perspectives, and a strong work ethic.

Significant barriers persist, such as inaccessible recruitment systems, inflexible interview processes, underrepresentation in leadership, and limited career development opportunities.

 Best Practice for Employers:

1️⃣ Revamp recruitment processes to remove barriers—consider providing interview questions in advance, offering diverse panel representation, and exploring alternative assessment methods.

2️⃣ Introduce a “reasonable adjustments passport” to streamline support for disabled employees and ensure continuity.

3️⃣ Educate managers to challenge ableist assumptions and foster a culture of inclusion.

4️⃣ Celebrate the contributions of disabled employees and reframe disability as a strength, not a limitation.

5️⃣ Broaden career progression opportunities through flexible promotion pathways and internal development.

6️⃣ Partner with disability organizations and employee resource groups to co-create inclusive solutions.

Thank you to our expert panel Frances Bathurst, Ghizzi (Ghislaine) Dunlop, Kyrby Brown and Alison Browning for their inspiring and educational words.

 To learn more about Disability History Month follow this link https://ukdhm.org/