October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities to the economy. In 2023, the employment rate for people with disabilities reached 22.5%, the highest level since 2008, compared to an employment-population ratio of 65.8% for those without disabilities [d9f8c970]. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that companies leading in disability inclusion generate 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and twice as much economic profit [7053f1da]. Employers are encouraged to review their policies, establish employee affinity groups, train supervisors, and participate in initiatives like Disability Mentoring Day to foster a more inclusive workplace [d9f8c970].
Newsweek's ranking of America's Greatest Workplaces for People with Disabilities for 2024/2025 includes 250 companies, based on a survey of over 24,000 employees with disabilities. Notable organizations recognized for their inclusive practices include the University of Maryland, which received a five-star rating, as well as GoDaddy and Concentrix [7053f1da].
A drive-by shooting outside the A 4 Apple Learning Center led to the closure of The Postman, a mailing and shipping store, due to safety concerns and the need for accountability and unity [b53a0e56].
In line with NDEAM, NASA released a video titled 'Explorers, Adventurers, and Innovators with Disabilities at NASA' to highlight the organization's commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The video features the perspectives of four NASA employees who share their firsthand experiences and provides valuable resources for employees and supervisors to support accessibility and inclusion [96bf574a].
In Beacon Hill, T'Challaween, a costume parade, is scheduled to take place on October 28th. Volunteers are needed for the event, which is organized by the South Seattle Emerald website [b53a0e56].
Advocates for voting rights claim to uphold democracy but fail to support equal access for the blind and disabled. The National Federation of the Blind calls on these groups to support secure online ballot marking and make voting more accessible. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requiring accessible voting options, many voters with disabilities still lack the ability to vote independently. Malfunctioning accessible equipment and concerns about security further hinder accessibility. As a result, voters with disabilities have lower turnout rates. However, over a dozen states offer fully accessible absentee voting with electronic ballot delivery and return, which enables independent voting. Studies show that digitally protecting ballots with encryption is more secure than traditional paper absentee ballots. Groups like the Brennan Center for Justice, Common Cause, and Free Speech for People have opposed legislation to offer these options. Without accessible options, voters with disabilities must rely on others to fill out their ballots, violating their right to a secret ballot. It is important to prioritize both security and accessibility in voting methods. Voters with disabilities deserve equal voting rights and accessibility. The National Federation of the Blind is working towards this goal [3a44b9d6].
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility for individuals with disabilities in public spaces, transportation, and facilities. Businesses that adhere to ADA guidelines create an environment for disabled individuals to engage in community and economic activities. Investing in accessibility can lead to a more diverse and talented workforce, improved problem-solving and innovation, and increased revenue and profitability. Accessible businesses are also better equipped to serve an aging population. Adhering to ADA law may create expenses for businesses, but it advances social inclusion, empowers disabled individuals, and propels economic development and growth [e65e73fa].
Starbucks has opened its first cafe designed to give customers with disabilities a 'more accessible store experience.' The move is part of a wider inclusivity initiative that Starbucks has undertaken to design easily navigable retail spaces for all of its customers. New stores will have softer indoor lighting, acoustics that minimize background noise, and a continuous, unobstructed pedestrian path for customers in wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Counters will be lowered to accommodate wheelchair access, and there will be voice assistance and screen magnification features. Starbucks aims to ensure that physical and digital environments meet an elevated standard of accessibility by 2030. The company supports efforts to expand and develop the Americans with Disabilities Act. Starbucks has faced criticism from disability rights activists in the past but remains committed to inclusivity [383cdfc5].
Level Access CEO Tim Stringer recently shared his views on digital accessibility in an interview with Forbes. He emphasized the importance of equitable outcomes and making technology accessible to everyone. Stringer discussed Level Access's State of Digital Accessibility Report, which examines the current state of digital accessibility. The report highlights that 72% of companies have instituted a policy on accessibility, and 85% report that the policy makes their business better and more competitive. However, 69% of companies report not having enough time to devote to accessibility efforts. Stringer emphasized the importance of integrating accessibility into the development cycle and making it a native part of systems. Level Access's report is available for download on their website [300e9d46].
Creative Equals, a non-profit organization, is launching the second year of its training program for disabled creatives. Sponsored by Diageo and run by world-class creative organization D&AD, the 15-day program will be split over four weeks and will be available to up to 20 disabled and neurodivergent creatives from across the UK. The program is open to disabled and neurodivergent talent who have previously worked or studied in the advertising, marketing, or design industry, as well as those with chronic illness and rare diseases. This initiative is an expansion of Creative Equals' CreativeComeback program, which has supported over 140 people, with 85% of participants finding employment. The founder and CEO of Creative Equals, Ali Hanan, highlighted the chronic underinvestment in disabled talent and its impact on both individuals and creative output. The program aims to promote accessibility and inclusion in the creative industry, aligning with broader efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse sector [8028e7bd].
The Guinness Six Nations 2024 Championship is also working towards inclusivity, supported by Creative Equals [8028e7bd].
On May 15, Center for Democracy and Technology's CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens joined the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address equity and accessibility in AI under the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development & Use of Artificial Intelligence. AI has the potential to improve accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities, but there is a need to ensure responsible design, use, testing, and legal accountability for AI systems. CDT aims to empower people affected by AI systems to have a voice in their development and regulation. The Access Board is taking a leadership role in building relationships between disability and technology communities and advancing responsible AI. CDT is excited to partner with the American Association of People with Disabilities in this effort [916c5e90].
Blind, a technology company, attended the Economic Prosperity Ministerial on December 12, 2021. Blind's CEO, Sam Altman, participated in a panel discussion on the future of artificial intelligence. The company's mission is to create a more inclusive workplace for visually impaired individuals. Blind's platform allows employees to anonymously discuss workplace issues and share insights. The article highlights Blind's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry [26e56ab9].