Angela Barker, CPACC’s Post

Salesforce is setting a new standard for disability inclusion in the workplace, and we're excited to share its inspiring journey! The tech giant's 2024 Stakeholder Impact Report reveals a comprehensive approach to addressing the "disability employment gap." With an unemployment rate of 7.7% for professionals with disabilities (more than double that of their non-disabled peers), Salesforce's initiatives are more crucial than ever. Here are some of the company's standout efforts: • Posting accommodating job descriptions to diverse recruitment channels • Maintaining, Trailhead, a free online learning platform with accessibility-focused modules • Providing ongoing support to professionals with disabilities through Retain, an AI-powered platform helping employees find accessibility solutions • Supporting Abilityforce, a business-wide resource group for team members with disabilities • Removing physical and digital barriers • Offering flexible work options, as well as generous PTO and parental leave Salesforce's commitment goes beyond its workforce–influencing its entire ecosystem and the broader professional world. The message is clear: creating an accessible, inclusive workplace benefits everyone and drives innovation. What steps is your organization taking toward greater inclusivity? Have you implemented any similar initiatives? We'd love to hear your experiences and ideas in the comments below! #Accessibility #DisabilityEmployment #Salesforce #a11y #WorkplaceCulture Image Description: A diverse group of coworkers posing together for a team photo.

🌍 Today marks the 2024 International Day of People with Disability, and this year’s theme of Disabled Leadership resonates deeply with our values at Billy Cart Behaviour. We believe in the power of #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs, embracing a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we support—especially those with disability. Our neurodivergent and disabled team members bring unique perspectives, empathy, and insight that enhance the quality of our services, creating an environment where all individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. By championing disabled leadership, we ensure that our work is informed by authentic experience and fosters a truly inclusive space. To create a more inclusive workplace, we encourage simple but impactful accommodations: • Recognize and respect different communication styles and preferences. • Offer flexible office spaces and working arrangements that meet individual needs. • Provide access to sensory accommodations such as low lighting, flexible seating, and sensory items. • Ensure offices and venues are fully accessible for people of all abilities. • Present information in multiple formats, ensuring everyone can engage and participate. These recommendations are just a start. There is so much room for accessibility and accommodations. Work on making accessibility a hallmark of your companies culture, and you will really notice how everyone thrives. At Billy Cart Behaviour, accessibility and inclusion aren’t just goals; they’re the foundation of everything we do. We strive to make this the norm, not the exception, because everyone deserves to thrive in an environment that truly values them. #IDPWD2024 #DisabledLeadership #InclusionInAction #Neurodiversity #AccessibleWorkplaces #BillyCartBehaviour

Curious about DI-verse certification? Let's dive in and understand it better! It's not just a badge of honor; it's a pledge to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace. DI-verse certification sets the gold standard, inspiring organizations to embrace equity and inclusion across all industries for a more accessible work environment. Join us in building a future where diverse abilities are celebrated! #Accessibility #InclusiveMeetings #AccessibilityForAll #DiverseTogether #LetsBeDiverse #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #DiverseAbilities Kamesh Sanghi Jay Kumar [Video Description] The first slide has a purple background with a DI-verse logo. The text reads: ‘Disability Inclusive Workplace Certification’. The video transitions to another slide with a purple background with the DI-verse logo. The text reads: ‘What is DI-verse’s Disability Inclusive Workplace Certification?’ The screen pans to the third slide with a purple background and DI-verse logo. The text reads: DI-verse certifies your organization on Disability Inclusion & Accessibility under 3 grade categories: A, AA, AAA. The 6 evaluation parameters are Culture & leadership, Access, adjustments & accommodations, Employment practices, Community engagement, Supplier Diversity & responsible procurement, and Marketing & customer experience. The fourth slide has a purple background with a DI-verse logo on a badge where the text reads: Disability Inclusive Place to Work. Beneath the badge the text reads: Inclusion Initiators (A): This level is a starting point for those venturing into diversity and inclusion, offering a solid foundation to embark on their journey. The screen pans to the slide with a pink and white background with a DI-verse logo on a badge where the text reads: Disability Inclusive Place to Work. Beneath the badge the text reads: This level recognizes substantial progress, encouraging continuous improvement and deeper integration of inclusive practices. The screen transitions to the slide with a DI-verse logo on a badge where the text reads: Disability Inclusive Place to Work. Beneath the badge, the text reads: This level represents a pinnacle of commitment, innovation, and maturity in nurturing diversity and inclusivity within the workplace. The video ends with a purple background with a DI-verse logo that reads “DI-verse: Disability Inclusion Workplace Excellence” and a purple button that reads “Follow Us”.

✨ GAAD Recap: Advancing Digital Accessibility ✨ Last week on #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay, the Contentsquare Foundation brought together a great panel of accessibility specialists - Crosby Cromwell, Roberta Lulli and François Cunche - for our virtual roundtable. Looking to get started on your accessibility journey or establish an inclusive corporate culture? Here’s some of our key learnings from the session: 🔧 Break down workplace barriers: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to enable persons with disabilities to perform their jobs effectively. This includes assistive technologies like adapted computers, hearing aids, and speech communication devices. Overcoming stigma and enhancing digital skills are also crucial to fostering an inclusive environment. 🌍Inclusion fosters innovation: Inclusion, especially disability inclusion, is a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Disabled consumers often act as extreme case users, finding innovative ways to use products. Listening to their feedback can drive significant improvements and innovations. Companies should recognize the disability community as a significant market segment. 📚 Kickstart with awareness and training: Begin your accessibility journey by raising awareness about its importance, training managers and employees on disability inclusion, and making communication accessible. Listening to experts with disabilities and your employees is crucial for tailoring effective strategies. Executive champions advocating for accessibility can significantly advance these efforts, leading to benefits in employee engagement and consumer satisfaction. Inclusion isn't just a social good—it's a moral and business imperative. Companies that embrace accessibility unlock untapped potential, driving both innovation and growth. As highlighted during our session, improving accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. 🙏 Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed speakers—Crosby, François, Roberta, and Marion Ranvier—and to all participants for making this event a success. Your contributions are vital in advancing the conversation around digital accessibility. Together, let's continue to champion inclusivity and innovation in the digital space! Watch the full replay here: https://lnkd.in/dSqjcVun   #GAAD2024 #DigitalAccessibility #Inclusion #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #ContentsquareFoundation

October is Disability Awareness Month. In this digital era, the workforce, including persons with disabilities, use digital meetings as a means to accomplish their work. Here are some key points for creating accessible digital meetings: *Accessible Digital Meetings: Best Practices* 1. Provide alternative formats: Offer transcripts, captions, or sign language interpretation for audio and video content. 2.Empower meeting participants to request accommodations that meet their needs. 3.Clear communication: Speak clearly, avoid jargon, and provide regular summaries. 4. Visual descriptions: Describe visual content, such as slides or videos, for attendees with visual impairments. 5. Audio descriptions: Provide audio descriptions for visually impaired attendees. 6.Keyboard-navigable: Ensure all interactive elements can be accessed via keyboard. 7.Screen reader compatibility: Test meetings with screen readers. 8.Breakout rooms: Ensure accessibility features carry over to breakout rooms. 9.Pre-meeting checks: Confirm accessibility features before meetings. 10.Use a moderator to facilitate discussion, invite speakers ro audio describe themselves. Use features such as raise hands, chat box to enable everyone to participate. 11. Feedback mechanism: Encourage attendees to provide accessibility feedback. *Additional Tips:* 1. Choose accessible platforms and tools. 2. Provide accessible meeting materials in advance. 3. Train hosts and moderators on accessibility. 4. Have a plan for technical issues *Let's create inclusive spaces!* #DisabilityAwareness #NeurodiversityAwareness #AccessibleMeetings #InclusiveWorkplace #DigitalAccessibility

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it's a powerful way to enhance your business's reputation and customer loyalty. By prioritising accessibility, you show that you value all customers, which can lead to increased patronage and a stronger community presence. This commitment also signals to your employees that you care about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, fostering a positive workplace culture and boosting morale. As your Disability Access Consultant, I’ll offer advice and expertise to improve accessibility and therefore business performance. Accessibility benefits everyone – it ensures that customers with disabilities can access your services and products without barriers, and it creates a supportive and inclusive workplace for employees with diverse needs. Investing in accessibility not only fulfills legal obligations but also opens up your business to a wider audience, including the significant number of people with disabilities who have substantial spending power. Moreover, an accessible workplace fosters inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all employees can contribute their best and feel valued, which in turn enhances overall productivity and job satisfaction. Visit my website to find out all about my services and learn how we can work together to make your business more inclusive and successful. Together, we can create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. https://lnkd.in/ewSVAGMV Image ID: A reel showing a bottom image of Philippa sitting in a wheelchair pulled up at a table, with a mobile phone in her hand, she is wearing a red jumper, the top image shows a blonde haired person sitting in their wheelchair in a shop, with friends walking either side holding bags. There is text in the middle on a green background that reads: "By prioritising accessibility, you show that you value all customers which can lead to increased customers and a stronger community presence." #EthicalBusiness #AccessibilityAdvantage #InclusiveBusiness #CustomerLoyalty #BusinessEthics

Showcasing our cool partner lineup as we near the end of April. Companies want to be more inclusive for employees and customers with disabilities, but they don't always know where to go. Enter Leaders for Accessibility where we bring all the solutions in one place. Find trainers to upskill your workforce and tech solutions to implement across your employee and customer experiences, to enable better accommodations and conversions! Find trainers: For Neurodiversity training: - Barry Walsh, founder at @Focus_on_Diversity, - Oliver McNiven, founder at NeuDivergent - Alice Hargreaves at SIC For Disability Awareness Training - Stephen Kelly at Ability Focus For Inclusive Communication - Ettie Bailey-King at Fighting Talk For Building Accessibility and Awareness - Jodie 💜 Greer at Be #PeopleSmart Ltd#PeopleSmart Ltd And get tech solutions: For the customer experience: - Create amazing customer support in retail, hotels, event spaces with Gavin Neate's tech solution at Welcome - Give disabled customers the ability to give you real-time feedback on facilities with QR codes for airports, banks, retail and event spaces with Matt McCann at Access Earth - Increase sales on e-commerce sites by communicating in a way that everyone can understand and positively influence behaviour and brand trust with Niamh Kelly's (that's me) science-led solution Tigim - Engage and welcome deaf users to your website with sign language translations provided for by Signly - Give neurodiverse or low vision customers the opportunity to listen to the audio version of your website reducing the pressure on reading with ReadSpeaker We are always looking for new solution partners to join our network. Get in touch here if you have a solution to make products and places of work more inclusive for people with disabilities: https://tally.so/r/3EXPkA

Why was Connect4Work founded? After working on a pilot program for 3 years to assist employees return to work after an absence due to illness or injury, the pilot timed-out and unfortunately finished.  Seeing the impact the service had on people’s lives, I felt compelled to do something. I wanted to ensure return-to work planning and supports would always be available. With a few twists and turns along the way, Connect4Work evolved.  The service was developed out of an identified gap and need for work-focused supports for employers.  Employers are often at a loss as to how to support an employee who may be returning to work after acquiring a disability.   It can be a challenge when there is no prior knowledge of disability or experience in how to explore reasonable accommodations. Why am I telling you this? Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 🟰 A day dedicated to people with disabilities, 🟰To increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance. Disability often means there is difference, but not less abled when properly accommodated. Did you know that approximately 80% of adults with a disability have acquired their disability during their working life? But with the right supports and interventions, it should not mean a person has to leave their job. So, I ask you… ➖ How inclusive is your organisation of people with disabilities – both to existing employees and potential future candidates? ➖Do you promote inclusive work practices with equal opportunities? ➖What do you know about reasonable accommodations? ➖What are your plans for inclusion and accessibility for 2025? You may not have everything in place just yet – that’s Ok, everybody has to start somewhere. But, if you need some help on how to become more disability confident in your organisation, email [email protected] or message me directly here. Let’s talk! #IDPWD2024 #Disability #Ability #Connect4Work Connect4Work

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to better support disabled visitors or consumers at your organisation? Imagine entering a store or visiting a venue and feeling like everything has been tailored specifically for you. That’s the kind of experience that turns customers into loyal advocates. I'm not talking about the basic accessibility needs, I'm talking about exceeding expectations and creating an environment where everyone regardless of ability feels truly seen, valued, and supported. How is this possible you ask? The WelcoMe App, it is one of my top 10 disability apps, founded by an amazing disability advocate and ally Gavin Neate. This app is redefining how organisations engage with disabled customers, offering a service that goes far beyond the usual tick-box accessibility efforts. Facilitating the provision of experiences that are as unique as each individual, ensuring they have what they need to navigate your space comfortably and confidently. I’m particularly excited to see that Currys plc has taken their first step towards customer inclusion, trialling this service in their London stores. In my opinion, this will undoubtedly set them apart from their competitors. It’s a clear signal that Currys isn’t just content with being "good enough", they’re striving to be exceptional, leading the charge towards true inclusivity. But for me, here’s where it gets even more interesting… What if we took this concept even further? Imagine using this technology not just to support customers but to enhance your recruitment/onboarding process as well. How powerful would it be for organisations to know exactly what their future or new employees need from day one? No guessing, no assumptions, just a seamless, supportive start that ensures everyone can hit the ground with momentum. The possibilities are endless, and the impact? Unstoppable! #DisabilityInclusion #CustomerExperience #Accessibility #Innovation #WelcoMeApp #Currys #InclusiveDesign #FutureOfWork

🔥 DEI Strategies Spotlight: Dionne Adams, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at PG&E, presents "Disability Inclusion: Creating an accessible and inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities" at #OnCon2024! 🗓️ OnCon 2024 Event Dates: April 22nd, 11am - 4pm ET April 23rd, 11am - 4pm ET 🎙️ Join Dionne Adams at OnCon 2024 to Discover: * Techniques to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities * Insights from Dionne Adams, an expert in disability inclusion and driving positive change * Practical strategies and best practices to promote equity and support employees with disabilities ⚡ Did You Know? By creating an inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities, organizations can enhance diversity, foster innovation, and increase employee engagement! Don't miss Dionne Adams' session at #OnCon2024! 🌟 About #OnCon2024: * Tailored tracks for executives, including DEI roles * Limited spots available (100 per track) for interactive and meaningful discussions * Engaging sessions designed to address challenges and share best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies 👉 Reserve Your Spot Today! Limited Seats Available! REGISTER HERE. https://buff.ly/49Eyal3 📣 Know someone who would benefit from Dionne Adams' insights on disability inclusion and creating an accessible workplace? Tag them in the comments! #OnCon2024 #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #PG&E