Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion

Welcome Letter

Successful businesses recognize that incorporating disability in all diversity and inclusion practices positively impacts their companies’ bottom line. Corporate CEOs understand that it’s cost effective to recruit and retain the best talent regardless of disability. Chief technology offi cers know that technologies that are usable by all employees lead to greater productivity. Senior purchasing managers recognize the economic benefi ts of broadening their supplier bases to include diverse categories, such as disabilityowned businesses, and savvy marketing directors eagerly embrace opportunities to increase their companies’ share of new markets.

While businesses sometimes encounter serious challenges as they seek to implement inclusion strategies, many employers have overcome these hurdles with robust and creative practices. Through the Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion initiative, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) invited business leaders to share their successful disability inclusion strategies. This publication highlights successful strategies that can be used by businesses of all sizes to create a more inclusive workplace, marketplace, and supply chain. Real-life examples, such as these, are important to help businesses realize the wide range of opportunities available and the potential for replicating success.

The companies and leaders featured in this publication provide valuable insights on the successes they have realized through the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of their corporate enterprises as well as in their marketing. In addition to these effective strategies, an assessment is included as a tool to initiate or enhance your company’s disability-friendly corporate practices.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Donohue
President and CEO
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Jill Houghton
Acting Executive Director
US Business Leadership Network