InclusionHub

Look at the numbers: 7.6% unemployment for people with disabilities versus just 3.5% for their non-disabled peers. This gap isn't just a statistic—it's a call to action. Want to attract top talent from the disability community? Start simple: post jobs on specialized platforms like Inclusively, ask about accommodation needs, and offer flexible interview formats. With one-fifth of our global population living with disabilities, their perspectives are invaluable. They're natural problem-solvers who navigate an inaccessible world daily. Beyond the moral imperative, 90% of consumers prefer companies that hire people with disabilities. By prioritizing representation in leadership and creating truly inclusive workplace cultures, we can close this employment gap while strengthening our organizations for everyone. #a11y #DEI #Accessibility #EmploymentGap Image Description: Two coworkers sitting at a shared desk. One of them is in a wheelchair.

The evolution of DEIA initiatives shows us that true transformation requires both grassroots passion and executive buy-in. As Gino Ramos from Salesforce's Office of Equality Programs explained in our interview with him in 2023, accessibility isn't just a standalone effort but a crucial component under the equality umbrella. “In my mind, accessibility rolls up into the overarching umbrella of equality,” he says. “We're all fighting for equality, but accessibility is one component of it, not just for people with disabilities but accessibility as a whole.” He also outlines the four-part allyship framework—ask, listen, show up, speak up—a practical roadmap for creating more inclusive workplaces. So, whether you're a frontline employee or senior leader, remember that making the business case for accessibility and inclusion makes these initiatives impossible to ignore. When we align our diversity efforts with accessibility goals, everyone benefits from more equitable systems and environments. #DEI #a11y #Accessibility Image Description: An illustration of a diverse group of coworkers around a table in an office. One of them is in a wheelchair.

This Low Vision Awareness Month, let's talk about digital accessibility. With over 32 million Americans experiencing vision loss, we can't treat accessibility as an afterthought. "Oftentimes, people treat accessibility as kind of a Band-Aid fix," says Bradley Rikard, formerly of the Blind Institute of Technology. "But if you incorporate people with disabilities and an awareness of their unique use cases in every stage of the UX design process, you're going to create a more accessible, usable product." The internet shouldn't be a barrier – it should be a bridge. From proper color contrast to screen reader compatibility, small changes can make a huge difference. #LowVisionAwareness #DigitalAccessibility #Inclusion #WebAccessibility #a11y Image Description: Woman sitting at her desk, wearing headphones and coding on her desktop computer.

Did you know that only 40% of working-age adults with visual impairments participate in the labor force, compared to 74% of those without? This stark "employment gap" reveals how much work remains to create truly inclusive workplaces. During Low Vision Awareness Month, we're highlighting practical steps organizations can take to support blind and visually impaired professionals – from accessible physical spaces and digital tools to flexible work arrangements and cultural training. As Michael Hess, Founder of Blind Institute of Technology, notes: "Stigma and perception are our biggest challenges." But when organizations move beyond basic compliance to embrace genuine inclusion, they unlock the incredible talents of millions of professionals. Ready to make your workplace more accessible? #LowVisionAwareness #Accessibility #InclusionMatters #Disability #WorkplaceInclusion Image Description: A group of coworkers welcoming a new person to their team and shaking hands.

"I've battled. I wish I knew about this 10 or 20 years earlier. I would have been far ahead in my career and advancement." These words from Strini Naidoo, who lost 95% of his vision in 2001, highlight the ongoing challenges facing blind and visually impaired professionals. Despite holding two bachelor's degrees, Naidoo consistently struggled to find work that could properly accommodate his needs. But his story takes an inspiring turn. Through Salesforce's Trailblazer program and the Blind Institute of Technology, Naidoo found a path to transform his career, earning his Salesforce administrator certification. During Low Vision Awareness Month, his journey reminds us that talent knows no boundaries – but opportunity often does. When organizations truly commit to accessibility and inclusion, they unlock the potential of countless skilled professionals. Read Naidoo's full story and learn how your organization can create more accessible workplaces: https://lnkd.in/dHYF5hUf #Accessibility #InclusionMatters #LowVisionAwareness #Disability #DigitalInclusion Image Description: A man sits at his desk, taking a course. His cane is propped on the chair behind him.

"The reality is you have people that are very, very good at masking. You should see me with clients. I'm super professional, polished, and I even manage to put makeup on, which I find to be one of the most horrifying things in my life. Why do I do it? Because I have a desperate need to belong. And I shouldn't need that. I shouldn't need to hide myself behind layers of this impossible person." These powerful words from Veronica Friery-Pillon, Transformation Consulting Director at Salesforce, highlight why psychological safety is so crucial for neurodivergent professionals. For Veronica, having supervisors who create a safe space to be herself has been transformative. What has your supervisor done to help you feel psychologically safe as a neurodivergent professional? Share your experiences in the comments below 👇 Some examples from our latest article: •Encouraging authenticity over masking •Providing space for unfiltered communication •Focusing on strengths rather than limitations •Creating flexible work environments Read Veronica's full story and learn more about fostering psychological safety for autistic professionals: https://lnkd.in/gFmR7H5U #Neurodiversity #PsychologicalSafety #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #AutisticAtWork #a11y Image Description: Illustration of a group of professionals holding smiling masks; their true expressions are of sadness, worry, and discontent.

🎯 Making virtual meetings more accessible isn't just good practice—it's essential for inclusive workplaces. Here are 7 key ways to ensure everyone can fully participate: • Implement team access checks • Be flexible with video/audio options • Limit chat feature use (it can clash with screen readers!) • Describe what's happening on screen • Invest in real-time captioning • Record all meetings • Foster a culture where asking for accommodations is normalized Remember: Remote work has been a game-changer for professionals with disabilities. Let's make sure our virtual meetings enhance—not hinder—this flexibility. As Crystal Preston-Watson from Salesforce says: "Everyone should be able to bring their full self to their job without hindrance." What accessibility practices has your team implemented? #Accessibility #InclusiveWorkplace #RemoteWork #VirtualMeetings #DEI Image Description: Two people sitting at their desks attending a virtual meeting. One is on a computer and the other is on a tablet.

Accessibility and inclusion efforts are facing resurgent opposition throughout government and corporate workplaces. Written a few years ago by Lucia Rios, a Workforce Navigators Program Associate at Salesforce Accessibility, this piece is still as relevant as ever. Here are 6 reasons why you should hire more professionals with disabilities And specific actions you can take to ensure a more accessible future. #a11y #DEI #DigitalInclusion #Accessibility Image Description: A smiling Salesforce employee wearing a Trail Blazer sweatshirt and walking with his guide dog in the city near Salesforce HQ.

"I think there's a preconceived notion that people with disabilities don't belong in the workplace." Jessica Roth from Salesforce Accessibility isn't just naming the problem—she's helping solve it. Here's what truly inclusive hiring looks like: • Start with an "access check" in virtual interviews to ensure everyone can participate fully • Keep cameras on during video calls—it's essential for d/Deaf candidates who read lips • Focus on competency-based interviews instead of subjective "culture fit" • Provide clear accommodation options during the application process As Roth puts it: "People have the best intentions. They just don't know what they don't know." Ready to make your hiring process more accessible? Start by creating a judgment-free zone where both candidates and hiring managers feel comfortable discussing accommodations openly. Because inclusive hiring isn't just about checking boxes—it's about unlocking talent. #InclusiveHiring #a11y #DisabilityInclusion #FutureOfWork Image Description: Illustration of a candidate signing a contract starting a new job; the recruiter is offering the contract over video chat.

"I've never put on my job application that I have a disability, because I think that's just gonna mark against me. If you put that, it's just as good as putting it in the trash." These words from Crystal Preston-Watson, Senior Digital Accessibility Analyst at Salesforce, highlight a stark reality many professionals with visual impairments face. But it doesn't have to be this way. Crystal's journey shows us that workplace accessibility isn't about charity—it's about unlocking talent. As she points out, "Just give me a screen reader or give me speech-to-text software, and I'll do the same work. It's really not a big ask... People in different roles need different tools to do their jobs." At Salesforce, Crystal found what every professional deserves: a workplace where she could truly be herself. She even started wearing her eyepatch instead of glasses—a simple change that improved her work focus, made possible by a genuinely inclusive environment. Want to make your workplace more accessible for visually impaired professionals? Start here: •Include accommodation options in your job applications •Offer flexible remote work options •Trust your employees to know what tools they need •Focus on output, not stereotypes Because as Crystal reminds us: "There's the perception that if you're blind, you can't be a developer. I know quite a few blind developers who are better than I could ever be." #DigitalAccessibility #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #Accessibility #DEI Image Description: Illustration of a group of people standing together; the woman in the center has her hair up and wears a red headband, matching her red eyepatch.