As we prepare to close the chapter on 2024, I find myself reflecting on the transformative moments and the urgent work still ahead. This year has been a pivotal time for rethinking disability on a global stage, not just as a topic for advocacy but as a dynamic force intersecting business, innovation, culture, and leadership. The truth is, that the way we think about disability often remains constrained by outdated perspectives. We still see barriers that shouldn’t exist in workplaces that could be more inclusive, in innovation that often overlooks accessibility, and in leadership that sometimes falls short of fully embracing diverse voices. Yet, change is undeniably in motion. We’re standing in the middle of a constellation of shifts—technological breakthroughs, cultural movements, and leadership paradigms, that are redefining what is possible. This is our moment to make disability not just a consideration but a cornerstone of the future we’re building. In business, we are witnessing how organizations that prioritize disability inclusion aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re outperforming their peers, unlocking new markets, and driving innovation in unexpected ways. Leaders who embrace disability as a strategic asset—not a challenge to be managed—are paving the way for more resilient and creative companies. Yet, too often, these stories remain untold, and the potential untapped. Culturally, we’ve seen artists, storytellers, and creators begin to dismantle stereotypes and celebrate disability as a vital part of the human experience. From film to literature to design, this shift is enriching our cultural landscape and challenging long-held assumptions about what disability means. But there is still so much more to do. As the world continues to evolve at breakneck speed, we need to ensure that the future we’re building is one in which everyone can thrive. That means embedding accessibility into innovation from the start. It means empowering leaders who champion inclusion not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental value. It means creating spaces in boardrooms, classrooms, and communities where disabled voices are heard and centered. The constellation of change is vast, but it is also incomplete. And that is where the work of 2025 begins. Let’s commit to moving forward with urgency, clarity, and purpose. Let’s commit to doing the hard work of rethinking what disability means in every facet of our lives. And let’s commit to a vision of the future where inclusion is not just an ideal, but a reality we live every day. Here’s to building a world where everyone belongs—together. See you in 2025. Valuable 500 National Organization on Disability Disability:IN ILO Global Business and Disability Network Victor Santiago Pineda Lawrence Carter-Long John D. Kemp Lori Frisher World Institute on Disability Anna Johannes, MBA, PLY Business Roundtable Chief Executive Group Chief SHRM SHRM Executive Network Dr. Stephanie Cawthon Fred Moltz
