In the new book Disability Friendly, author and Co-Founder of the American Association of People with Disabilities, John D. Kemp, explains why people with disabilities must not be left out of America’s work on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Kemp describes how everyone can harness the untapped potential of disabled employees, make reasonable accommodations, and create cultures of dignity, respect, pride, and inclusion.
Ideal for executives, managers, and other business leaders, Disability Friendly, will also earn a place in the libraries of Diversity and Inclusion and Human Resources professionals seeking to make an impact on their company and on behalf of a marginalized group.
Although 90% of organizations claim to prioritize diversity, the unfortunate reality is that only 4% consider disability in DEI initiatives. People with disabilities make up at least 15% of the population (more than 1 billion people worldwide) yet are too often overlooked. Hoboken, NJ (October 2022)
In the new book Disability Friendly: How to Move from Clueless to Inclusive (Wiley, October 11), world-renowned disability activist and consultant John D. Kemp, has written a clarion call to realize the gifts and talents of people with disabilities. Drawing from his decades of experience helping thousands of leaders create disability-friendly organizations, Kemp identifies the roadblocks to understanding and engaging people with disabilities, offers proven approaches for overcoming the initial discomfort people may have working with disabled colleagues, and demonstrates how businesses, schools, government, churches, and other organizations can open up to the contributions and talents of people with disabilities.
Create a true culture of inclusion
The first book of its kind to discuss the barriers and opportunities for accommodating the millions of Americans with disabilities, a deep examination of Disability Culture and by a person with the lived disability experience; Disability Friendly is essential reading for everyone. It will benefit DEI, human resources, information/technology professionals, and leaders who care about diversity, equity, and inclusion but have not yet fully incorporated people with disabilities into their strategies and practices.
Although progress has been made around equality for many marginalized groups, people with disabilities are still massively underrepresented in organizations’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. People with disabilities make up at least 15% of the population, yet they are still too often overlooked. Many people with disabilities are highly motivated, create fantastic work, and add tremendous value to organizations.
Disability Friendly is a call to businesses worldwide to realize the opportunities presented by employing people with disabilities. It explains the potential of disabled employees, how to create a culture of inclusion, and, in the process, help people with disabilities become proud contributors.
“Disability Friendly is a brilliant blueprint for disability inclusion that guides us to drive change for the benefit of all. ”
CARI M. DOMINGUEZ, Corporate Director and Chair, NACD Center for Inclusive Governance; Former Chair, U.S. EEOC
In this book, you’ll find:
- Concrete strategies for redesigning work and its processes to embrace all contributing citizens
- Ways to incorporate disability supports into a business’ diversity and inclusion practices and initiatives
- Methods for reducing the massive cost associated with government disability support payments and repurposing these as investments in the human potential of people with disabilities