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Catalyst | Soundbites
Valuing people with disabilities
Alexander Mann Solutions is just one of an increasing
number of leading global organisations pledging their
commitment to putting disability on the leadership agenda.
The Valuable 500, a business-to-business initiative, is
looking to catalyse the influence of large private-sector
corporations in addressing inclusion for disabled people. By
joining the campaign, leaders are agreeing to table diversity
on the board agenda, make one firm commitment to action
in 2019, and share their progress inside and outside of
their organisations.
In addition to Alexander Mann Solutions, signatories
to The Valuable 500 include Virgin Media, Unilever,
West Ham United Football Club and Bloomberg. Some
33 businesses in total have made their commitment to
the initiative.
IT service provider Fujitsu, for example, has pledged
action on implementing workplace adjustments
quickly, improving accessibility on internal and external
communications, introducing a work experience week for
people with learning disabilities, and maximising their
potential in supporting people with autism. Director and
CEO of Fujitsu Duncan Tait reflected: “At Fujitsu, we make
it a priority to build a diverse and inclusive workplace where
everyone can be completely themselves and succeed. When
people feel confident to talk openly about their disabilities,
and request the adjustments they need to carry out their
roles, we can unlock the full potential of disabled talent.”
Not all companies are as forward thinking. In a recent
study conducted by EY on behalf of the campaign, it was
revealed that over half (56%) of global C-suite executives
never or rarely discuss disability inclusion in their agendas.
Founder of The Valuable 500, Caroline Casey, commented:
“Disability inclusion is an issue that has been pushed to the
sidelines of business for far too long. Our research shows that
disability confidence is lacking in many global businesses,
and that people with disabilities still face significant stigmas
imposed in the workplace. We must act now to change this,
for the sake of a billion people worldwide living with a
disability. The route to a truly inclusive world is through the
creation of truly inclusive business. We know that if business
values disabled people equally then society will too.”
The Valuable 500 ultimately believes that a more diverse
workforce can lead to more original ideas and a more
productive workforce.
Issue 3 - 2019
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