Inclusion of people with disabilities is not just a nice thing to do; it also offers benefits for our communities and businesses. When we welcome everyone, we create a vibrant and successful environment that helps us all thrive. Let’s look at how including people with disabilities can make a positive difference.
Economic Benefits: Good for Business and Community
DID YOU KNOW?
People with disabilities make up the third-largest market in the U.S.
Including people with disabilities in our workforce and as customers is not only fair; it makes good business sense. By making our businesses more accessible, we can reach this important group of customers, which helps us all grow.
When more people with disabilities are employed, there’s less pressure on social services and benefits programs. This means more resources can be used for other community needs, such as transportation and housing, benefiting everyone.
Workplace Benefits: Strengthening Our Teams
Inclusion in the workplace goes beyond just meeting requirements; it enriches work environments and improves overall results.
Increased Productivity and Innovation
Diverse teams often lead to creative solutions. People with disabilities bring different perspectives that can help solve problems in new ways.
Higher Employee Retention Rates
When workplaces are inclusive, employees tend to be happier, which leads to lower turnover rates. This saves businesses time and money on hiring and training new staff.
Enhanced Company Reputation
Companies that focus on inclusion are seen more positively by customers and job seekers. This can lead to greater customer loyalty and a larger pool of talent to choose from.
A recent study by Accenture found that businesses that prioritize disability inclusion grow their sales 2.9 times faster than others, and their profits grow 4.1 times faster!
Social Benefits: A More Caring Community
DID YOU KNOW?
Including people with disabilities in all parts of community life creates a more accepting, vibrant and diverse society. It creates an environment for better social connections for everyone.
Health and Wellbeing: Benefits for All
Inclusion is not just good for business; it’s also good for health. When people with disabilities are part of community activities, they often enjoy better health and quality of life. Plus, everyone benefits from increased participation and engagement in the community leading to overall wellbeing.
Broader Perspective: Valuable Ideas and Talents
People with disabilities bring unique experiences and skills that can help us all. By including them in our workplaces and community events, we gain fresh perspectives and ideas that can lead to better solutions.
Creating an inclusive community goes beyond making adjustments or modifications; it’s about accessibility to all opportunities and recognizing the valuable contributions everyone can make, regardless of any disability or challenge. When we promote inclusion, we all win.
By: Linda Bonner
Author | Speaker | Disability Champion
www.blessedwithextraordinary.com
@more_extraordinary_days
blessedwithextraordinary@gmail.com
