Building, sustaining and growing: disability inclusion in business
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 15 March 2021
Issue publication date: 20 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the unique and the complementary aspects of disability inclusion and diversity strategies and to offer insight for organizations to integrate disability within diversity frameworks.
Design/methodology/approach
The research team conducted semi-structured interviews with diversity and inclusion “champions” from large businesses to learn about policies, practices and processes for fostering disability inclusion. The businesses have all received national recognition for supporting employees with disabilities.
Findings
Interviewees described strategies to build, sustain and grow disability inclusion by framing disability similarly to other diversity categories. The champions suggested practices to improve disability inclusion initiatives within their organizations.
Originality/value
There is limited information on what organizations are doing to support disability inclusion in the workplace. This study builds on the existing literature and responds to calls for case information from business personnel to gather data about common and effective practices.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Preparation of this manuscript was supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0091-02-00). NIDILRR is a Center within the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The ideas, opinions and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL and HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Citation
Gould, R., Mullin, C., Parker Harris, S. and Jones, R. (2022), "Building, sustaining and growing: disability inclusion in business", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 41 No. 3, pp. 418-434. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-06-2020-0156
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited