USA-- DiversityInc, a leading publication on diversity and business, has publishes its annual list of top employers for people with disabilities. DiversityInc began in 1998 as a web-based publication with a print magazine added in 2002. DiversityInc.com has a large career center online. The organization makes the following five recommendations for employers to increase disability diversity in the workplace:
- Make Inclusion part of the company's culture
- Think globally in hiring, design, and accessibility
- Provide support groups
- Celebrate people with disabilities
- Make the workplace accessible
SOURCES:
http://www.diversityinc.com/public/4533.cfm
RELATED:
The 2008 DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People With Disabilities
http://www.diversityinc.com/public/3573.cfm
The 2008 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity
55 comments:
I think this is great!! everyone should do this so that everyone can feel more equal. Every public place should be more accessible so that there wont be any barriers that people in wheelchairs wont struggle getting through.
Ediel B
Every person that works at his/her job should enjoy what they do and how they do it. Making this special quality and applying it to our friends with disabilities is just the motivation they need to feel wanted and respected at the same time in their work environment. This strategy will not only work but will help increase productivity in all workers united. This is just another step into making this a nation of one and not a nation of the people who can and can't.
Arturo D
I think this is great for everyone people with disabilities and for people without disabilities. The reason i say this is because people with out disabilities need to know that we are all equal and that a disability does not have to creat a barrier. Rocio D.
It is awesome for people with disability. I'm glad people are caring more about people with disabilities needs. It's necesary people to know things might help people with disabilities to work. This is a good article.
Claudia P.
Yes it is a wonderful thing that pwd's are being recognized because they are people to and have talents if given the opportunity to shine. Society has stepped up in acknowledging the capabilities of every person no matter what.
Crystal o.
Well I think this is great, many people do not know what is appropriate for people with disabilities and having a frame of reference like the DisabilityInc is just great. It is very interesting and very important to try to include this idea of universal design. By having universal design we include everybody and that is what we want, we want people to be treated equally in all aspects of life. At the job place people should be able enjoy what they do in order it to do it better and when people have to go through barriers in order to get to work the person is put into more stress.
Mariana GG
I think Disability Inc. points out some easy and to the point ideas when it comes to making the work place a better place for people with disabilities. Even though it looks great on paper it is so much harder to apply in real life.
The article points out how IBM is a company that prides themselves on making their workplace an accessible place for individuals with disabilites for many years. But IBM is not your usual company, they are so successfull with I am sure a net worth in the high millions and possibly in the billions. When you have that much profit coming in, it is easier for them to look at their work environment and see what can be done to improve the work setting for any of their employees.
Most companies do not have the luxury of high profits and thus cannot channel too much energy or money into making a workplace the ultimate utopia for an individual with a disablility. I am not saying they should not adhere to accomodations for the individuals with disabilities but they will pale to comparison to what IBM is doing.
I am also sure that the majority of individuals are not looking for that either, they just want an even playing ground so they can accomplish their work stress free.
We can all aspire and use IBM as the prime example as providing a great working place for individuals with disabilites. Most companies will have to start with baby step to make the work place accessible to all but eventually they will all do what they can to make it the best possible setting for all employees.
MarilynC
I think it's great that DiversityInc made a publication showing the annual list of top employers for people with disabilities. I think this could be a great move on there part to make other business and companies become more aware and take on a greater initiative to employee people with disabilities. It's important for employers, businesses, companies, and everyone to know what is needed for a person with a disability to be successful in a workplace. Reducing barriers and emphasizing the support of people with disabilities is a great way to increase disability diversity in the workplace and make people with disability feel more comfortable with the jobs they are doing.
Laura E.
This is a very good thing they are doing. I think people with disabilities should have the opportunity to work so they can live better and have something to look forward to.
Alma D
It is a great to have Diversity Inc. give us some insight on people with disabilities in the work place. It not only gives us insight but employers can notice that is a good thing to hire people with disabilities. Employers can see that IBM is a company that hires people with disabilities. IBM prides itself on making the workplace accessible for everyone but they have the money to do these. Employers should realize sometimes it does not take a lot of money to have accessibility in the workplace, you should be creative. Sometimes, all that is needed is a 4 pieces of wood. Angie K.
DiversityInc's annual list of companies who include people with disabilities in their hires is a good starting point for this discussion. Their list of five recommendations are also good guidelines for companies looking for employees who can benefit their company, and whose employement will show the company's dedication to social justice.
I used to work for the EEOC, and tend to see parallels between the employment under Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964 (which covered discrimination on the basis of race, color, national original, gender or religion) and Title I of the ADA. Those parallels demonstrate problems that should be avoided.
Efforts to include people left out because of discrimination because of the categories covered by Title VII were often referred to as "affirmative action" and led to a huge backlash. Including people left out because of their race, color, religion, national origin, etc. was seen by the majority group as "hiring less qualified" people to the exclusion of majority members who felt they were more qualified.
Hiring people with disabilities will be more likely to avoid a similar backlash if the employer advertises its efforts as tapping into previously ignored skills, and emphasizes the unique abilities of those hired.
People with disabilities do constitute a great source of talent and skills. One hopes that the encourgagement of DiversityInc, and general self interest causes employers large and small to follow the guidelines suggested by DiversityInc and that in time the hiring of PWDs is hardly worth mentioning because it has become so common place
DavidW
7th blog
I love the way this article is written. It clear and concise.
The five recommendation to employers are easy to follow. One that really cought my attention was to Celebrate people with disabilities. Many times we, not only employers forget about the importance of celebrating people. And the difference it makes.
Paty C
I think this is a good for people with disabilities and that they deserve to be given the appropate accomodations. Things are changing for the benefit of many individuals. I think that this will make life much more easier for them.
This is awesome that this is being done, there should be more bussiness doing the same. If so it would increase employment even more. Besides accessibility should be enforced more and more, so that persons with a disability can get around smoother.
Raquel M
I completely agree, I think these are great recommendations! I think that they will help employees with disabilities to feel more involved and comfortable in their work settings.
Cassie
What a wonderful feeling it is to be acknowledged for our accomplishments be it at school or at the work place, it motivates a person to continue to do good if not better then before! For people with disabilities it has got to be an even greater feeling, for some of us it might not take a whole lot to be able to perform simple tasks, but for others it may take more of an effort, but just to know within that we are capable of accomplishing such is a great feeling of pride.
I personally have my share of disabilities; but I have also had my share of time to shine for my accomplishments, my greatest moment was in May of 2005 when I graduated from STC at age 52 and receiving my associates degree alongside of my then twenty year old son! So I know that feeling all too well, and it's a great feeling!!
T.Estrada
I think that its a very good thing that companies are hiring people with disabilities there should be no discrimination and no prjudice against them. Every person that wants to work should be able to obtain a job any where they want so all companies should strive to do their best and use this stragedy to help people with disabilities feel more equal.
Omar O.
In regards, to the recent Disability Inc Publications, on the top ten disability friendly Businesses; I feel that this publication will be extremely beneficial in helping to motivate businesses to implement permanent changes and policies in the workplace to accommodate pwd.
This top ten list, is more than likely going to be viewed by many people and therefore gives businesses such as those who made the list, a sense of prestige within communities and throughout the nation. This in turn will give other business that didn’t make the list, a sense of motivation to improve their current working standards, in order to make the list next year. Unfortunately we are nation based on competition; however in this aspect I feel that the “top ten” list has the potential to create a healthy completion among business that would benefit millions of working people who just happen to have disabilities.
P.s As a self admitted coca cola addict, I was extremely happy to learn that the Coca Cola company was ranked in second place as one of the most disability friendly workplace’s for pwd.
CRIS M.
Wow - I really liked this article. It is so refresing to see that some companies actually realize that it is a good thing to have diversity. This company not only carries it in the name, but within the walls as well. And to add to what Paty said, many times we ourselves make excuses about forgetting the importance of celebrating people and the difference it does make.
Norfy
I think it’s great that a website and a foundation like DiversityInc.com exists since it allows people with disabilities to become aware of which businesses or companies top the list in employing people with disabilities. This, in turn, will open many doors to employment for these individuals.
I was not aware of the DiversityInc Foundation, but I did discover that it is a charitable organization that was founded by DiversityInc Partners and Cofounders Luke Visconti and Foulis Peacock in 2006. According to its website, the DiversityInc Foundation’s mission is to “fund scholarships for financially disadvantaged students, and to donate 2 percent of DiversityInc Media LLC's gross revenue via the DiversityInc Foundation.” The website also states that the foundation currently serves three different schools; Bennett College for Women, New Jersey City University, and Rutgers University. In each institution, the DiversityInc Foundation either donates funds or provides scholarships for students.
Matthew V.
Our nation is undergoing different changes and difficulties. However, employment is the economic engine of our nation, our communities and our families. As I was looking for further information on this article I came to find that’s for people with disabilities, employment promotes greater independence and productive, fulfilling lives. It’s nice to know that employers are considering people with disabilities within the equal opportunity employment. And as our nation grows in size, our minds grow in understanding. I think DiversityInc. is doing a good job in understanding diversity needs.
janneth a.
I think this is truly beneficial to both the employers and the employees. The five recommendations are simple but really important factors that all employers should acknowledge and enforce in order to avoid setting obstacles or boundaries to PWD. Diversity Inc. has taken a great approach in promoting equality an integration of PWD. As the article points out that there are 49.7 million PWD and each and every one of them should have the ability to access and be employed where they would like.
Diana m.b.
This is a positive move toward recognizing people with disabilities and finally realizing that a disability does not have to be seen as a stigma. Finally, we are moving towards a new era. The era of equality. I am glad that society is finally realizing that people with disabilities are just as productive. This is just the beginning and are looking forward to seeing more people with disabilities working in a professional environment. People with disabilities are just as capable of doing a good job or even better. Because they do not take things for granted but most are greatful to be given the opportunity to prove themselves.
Igarza
I think it is great that people are focusing on a person's ability to perform at a work place and helping people with a disability feel more equal.
Jessica M
I couldn't agree more with this article. I think it's great for PWD and also for PWOD. It once again demonstrates that diversity is taken place and that we are all equal and no barrier should be the cause of dividing a person from another. Plus, it's great to hear that employment for PWD is improving and becoming more accessible for them. I believe everyone should practices these recommendations.
Rosario G.
I think it is great that there is a company out there trying to help improve the work place for any one with a disability. A lot of times we over look so many things because we find them easy to do at work and we fail to recognize the pressures that a person with a disability faces in their everyday life. If their work environment can be made easier and more accomadating to them, then I think other companies should do the same. People with disabilities would feel more equal to others.
Noelia B
It is really good that someone is actually telling employers to change their mindset when its about hiring new personel. In the past people with disabilities haven't been seen as functional individuals. And if we could get employers to actually work around people's disabilities we could have more disabled people employed and not depending solely on the government's help.
Diana Bernal
I think the idea of making a workplace an accessible place for individuals with disabilities is great. A ramp, automatic doors, and many other details that will help people with disability should be a part of every corporation in this nation. Limiting the barriers to the minimum will only have a positive out come. Everyone has the right to feel at ease in a work environment. However, besides the material barrier, the second great thing that can also help a person with disabilities and the other workers is the idea of providing support groups. By proving such a group people with disabilities will feel more conferrable and people without disabilities will eliminated their inter barrier (if any) of not knowing how to act around a person with disabilities.
Laura S.
I think the idea of making a workplace an accessible place for individuals with disabilities is great. A ramp, automatic doors, and many other details that will help people with disability should be a part of every corporation in this nation. Limiting the barriers to the minimum will only have a positive out come. Everyone has the right to feel at ease in a work environment. However, besides the material barrier, the second great thing that can also help a person with disabilities and the other workers is the idea of providing support groups. By proving such a group people with disabilities will feel more conferrable and people without disabilities will eliminated their inter barrier (if any) of not knowing how to act around a person with disabilities.
Laura S.
American consumers pay close attention to companies that are socially responsible. As consumers many of us are aware of the policies of companies we support. When I read this article I was reminded how complacent I have become since living in the Valley. When I lived in Austin, I was a much more selective consumer. My friends and I supported many small, mom and pop businesses that were in danger of closing due to large chain corporations opening businesses in the area such as Barnes and Nobles, Starbucks, etc. Although these
companies can often provide a greater variety and selection of products and services, they had a devastating impact on smaller businesses that could not compete and ultimately closed. Many Austinites supported these businesses because of the uniqueness of the business. They knew their customer base and we were aware that we shared similar values. We understood that the services and goods provided would be more expensive, but it was important for us to support certain businesses. It was part of our social consciousness. It is important that we understand the hiring policies of businesses we support. As consumers, we have a lot of power and influence to demand that companies understand what we value.
I feel that as consumers, it is imperative we understand the philosophy of companies we support. what are their hiring pracitces? Are they a culturally diverse company? Do they exploit third world countries/workers to benefit their bottom line? Do they support/do animal testing? Etc., etc. We have a lot of power as consumer to enact change and influence how companies do business. The internet is a great way to get information that is important to us.
I have been wearing Levi jeans since I was a kid. I was curious about their hiring practices and policies toward people with disabilities. I did a quick search on the company. To my surprise, I learned that they have been actively involved with Goodwill Industries to promote job training. As many of us are aware of, Goodwill Industries provides employment and training for people with disabilities.
As a result of my search, I know that I can continue to by the products produced by Levi Strauss.
Businesses are aware of what consumers want and if we let them know that we value them hiring a culturally diverse group of employees which includes people with disabilities, I quarantee everyone they will listen. Money talks!
Rosie
I think that the recommendations made by DiversityInc. are important. I thought that the insights raised by Rosie are particularly significant. I rarely think about the hiring practices of companies I buy products and services from. It is important that we have an understanding of the company’s philosophy towards issues that we value. If a company understands that they could have a lot more people purchasing their products because they are considered to be socially responsible, they will have a greater incentive to continue/enhance the way they do business.
As an animal lover, I often consider whether companies do animal testing. I need to broaden the things I consider when I buy things. I need to be more aware of the hiring practices of companies we do business with. Inclusion is important. Awareness by all consumers is also vital. We do have the power to enact change. We sometimes forget the power we have as consumers to demand that businesses be more proactive in their hiring practices of individuals with disabilities. IBM is a great example of a company that understands the potential and talent PWDs have.
Cameron L
This is great! It shows that society is begining to understand and including people with disibilities in everything. It is important to let people with disibilites know that they are respected and taken into consideration. Everyone should have a right regardless what they can or can't do.
Andrea Vela
I am sure media can play a great role in educating public regarding disability and persons disability.This publication is doing great job by providing the guidlines for the employment for persons with disability. We should encorage such publication by supporting them by giving them our Adds. and atleast buying their suscriptions. This kind of things in the society lead to the change required in the attitute of people.
puri v
I totally agree with Edie B
puri v
It is good that recommendations are given to employers because many times employers do not know what to do when employing people with disabilities. Making the work environment more accessible is something that must be done. I really liked the idea of having support groups because that really helps those individuals experiencing a disability. In addition people with disabilities should also be included in the work culture because they are big minority.
I agree with Rocio D. in that we all are equal and everyone should be know and there should not be any discriminative treatment in the work environment or any where else.
Mariam G.
Diversity Inc. is a great idea and what it does is even better. It is good to be informed of what companies are disabilities friendly so to speak. For instance, McDonald’s is a great example of this in use. I know the food is bad for you but where else do you hear of any other company helping people with disabilities everyday. They hire those with disabilities and they even help the families of those who have cancer which is another big disability that is very costly. I was also informed that Coca Cola Company also is disabilities friendly and this is good for me to know because I follow these kinds of things especially when it is something that means a lot to me. With that in mind I give you another example with Denny’s I will not eat at this restaurant because they mistreat and financially abuse the farm workers who pick their products for them. As a family member of farm workers this is a very touchy topic and I will support them by not contributing to this restaurant as a customer. The same thing goes with those who have disabilities and being mistreated by big companies just because they can.
I agree with the comments from Rosie because they are the truth.
-anisa c
These five recommendations are really good. I think this should be adopted by all business or at least those that fall under the ADA. It will not only lower the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities, it will also remove a lot of those persons with disabilities from receiving a disability check. It might sound mean but it is not. We have been trying to do this for the longest time. I think it is a necessity for persons to work, with or without a disability, and if making small accommodations like these will get more persons with disability to work, then it must be done. Most of these recommendations will cost very little or nothing at all.
Crystal S.
9 or 12
It is nice to see that companies are looking to people with disabilities to hire, although they should have been doing this all along. I like that they included that inclusion should be part of the companies culture because that is an important step towards eliminating discrimination in the workplace. Many companies are passing up incredibly qualified individuals because they are disabled. If only the employers would make their decisions based on resumes only, they would not miss out on these individuals. I am not sure I like the part about hiring globally. Especially with the economy the way it is, there are so many people right here at home that need a job and I think we should start here first.
It is nice to see that companies are looking to people with disabilities to hire, although they should have been doing this all along. I like that they included that inclusion should be part of the companies culture because that is an important step towards eliminating discrimination in the workplace. Many companies are passing up incredibly qualified individuals because they are disabled. If only the employers would make their decisions based on resumes only, they would not miss out on these individuals. I am not sure I like the part about hiring globally. Especially with the economy the way it is, there are so many people right here at home that need a job and I think we should start here first. Celena M
This is great information and wonderful for all to have equality. All public places should be accessible in all espect of disability. Individuals in all should feel that enjoy and want to be in their job enviorment. This is start of another great idea for all individuals not only individuals with a disability.
Jenny G.
I think that companies would benefit from this type of thinking. I feel it is important to make everyone feel respected and important. I think the hardest thing is when you work for a company that does not appreciate or acknowledge you. When companies celebrate the diversity of their workers it helps everyone to socialize and acknowledge one another. This would also help them to stay current with the incoming workforce and understand how to cater to them. This would also assist workers in being more productive. I think services like Diversity Inc will also help workers locate employers that are doing something to make the working environment better for all employees.
~Marlene H.
These Recommendations are excellent because this would allow people with disabilities to have a better chance to do anything they really want!
-Brandon R.
Everyone should be entitled to work, most people with disabilities want to work but dont have the proper services to begin. provide access and limited barrier is a great way to increase employment barriers.
monica m.
Having Make Inclusion part of the company's culture would only benefit people over all in educating them about individuals with disabilites.Think globally in hiring, design, and accessibility is the way the american dream should be. designing facilites way ahead of time saves companies money in the long run. Accissiblitiy is just the way to go in this century. individuals are out in the community so any assistance is greatly appreciated when it comes to accesiblitiy.
Provide support groups would be benefitual for both individuals with and with out disabilites.
Celebrate people with disabilities sounds like a little to far with the celebration of people with disabilities. Were no different thatn any other non disabled individaul. we dont need to be celebrated unless of cource its a universal celebration such as a promotion.
Making the workplace accessible is the law today so why not do it. It can even bring in more business from individuals with disabilites but also their families.
Emede R
I believe that the recommendations given were very assertive. It is nice to see that there is people out there trying to make a difference concerning the employment rate for people with disabilities. Just like this company people should work together and get rid of all those old prejudices and supposed "barriers" surrounding a disability.
I believe that the recommendations given were very assertive. It is nice to see that there is people out there trying to make a difference concerning the employment rate for people with disabilities. Just like this company people should work together and get rid of all those old prejudices and supposed "barriers" surrounding a disability.
Karen L.
In regards to Arturo D. I feel you really emphasized the primary topic within this article. I do agree with you and believe if employers do follow these five simple recommendations not only will inclusion occur, yet also productivity will increase.
Caleb B.
Angie’s view on that American consumers pay close attention to companies that are socially responsible is a very accurate depiction of how society feels when they see companies that are proactive in hiring people with disabilities to be able to integrate more fully into society. Juan N.
I love that fact, that we are recognizing pwd and we are as a whole are trying to have jobs and other things more accesible to pwd. we need to be treated equal and as one whole.
Jennifer G.
In regard to comments made by David, I agree that while the inclusion model is great and promotes equality, there will always be people who disagree and consider affirmative action movements a type of reverse discrimination. Luckily the larger businesses don't listen to ignorant people's gripes.
I appreciate Emede's comment about celebrating people with disabilities. People with disabilities don't want to be celebrated but rather just respected as individuals with talents and abilities. Having a disability from a very early age, I hated to hear people say, she is so talented "in spite of" her disability. Or even telling me to my face, you are such as hard worker "in spite of" your disability.
I am excited to see Diversity Inc. and I support what they are doing. Hopefully, many more "outsiders" will read about the things they are trying to do. Let's get the word out to everyone and spread the joy, the wealth, and the opportunities.
Sylvia S.
I think is great that is a webpage that give recommendation to those that hire people with disabilities. Help them to understand better and gives the companies some tips for how they can treat them. And of course, that we notice that people with disabilities can feel useful and part of society.
I think is great that is a webpage that give recommendation to those that hire people with disabilities. Help them to understand better and gives the companies some tips for how they can treat them. And of course, that we notice that people with disabilities can feel useful and part of society.
Emma C.
I really enjoyed this article because i think its true that all work places should provide accessibility so people with disabilities are able to get around in all places. A job is a place where everyone should feel comfortable and for people with disabilities sometimes it may be hard. Thats why accessibility is such an important thing that all workplaces should start getting
Crystal M.
Today belive it or not there is a lot of people with disabilities that are discriminated and do not have equal rights I know many people have been doing a lot to try and end this, and things like these are great! I think all people having a disability or not should be treated equal, meaning having equal rights and employement rights. I think this should help pwd have equal treatment and help people get engouraged with employement opportunities!
Alejandrina T.
The fact that there are businesses out there willing to go out of their way to assist the people who are disabled is amazing to me.
Estefanita G.
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