5 steps to creating a disability inclusive workplace

Growing up in a family where everyone has a disability was a normal part of life for Tova Sherman, CEO of Reachability, an organization that provides supportive and accessible programs for inclusion. It wasn’t until she became older that she became exposed to the stigma around disability.

“What I didn't realize was that everyone else found disability very unusual,” Sherman says. “That’s when I became immediately attached to the idea of advocacy around inclusion of persons with all types of disabilities.”

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While people with disabilities make up one fifth of the U.S. population, only 40% percent of adults with disabilities have a job, according to the Brookings Institute. That is compared to 79% of all working-age adults.

“The number one challenge that we have to overcome is that persons with disabilities are broken,” Sherman says. “We have a voice and we have something to contribute.”

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Sherman’s organization works with employers to help them create a more inclusive workplaces by acknowledging biases and creating an inviting environment. In order for employers to open up their workplace to people with disabilities, here are five key ideas to consider: