A friend told me she works at a disability-inclusive workplace. I challenged her: 'How can you prove it?' Here’s what I learned.
When my friend proudly claimed her workplace was disability-inclusive, I wasn’t convinced. “Prove it,” I said. She paused, surprised. It made me think—what does true inclusion look like? It’s about the entire experience, from the hiring process to daily interactions, to growth opportunities.
So, we made a checklist. A real test to see if a workplace is truly inclusive or just using the term as a buzzword.
Disability inclusion goes beyond appearances. It’s about more than just meeting accessibility standards; it’s about creating an environment where every person feels empowered, respected, and able to thrive.
Here’s the checklist we came up with:
➠ Accessible Hiring Process: Does your company ensure that every interview and assessment process is fully accessible?
➠ Accommodations Without Judgment: Can employees freely use assistive devices without facing stigma?
➠ Supportive Language: Is there a culture that respects person-first or identity-based language?
➠ Active Allies: Are there colleagues who openly advocate for disability inclusion?
➠ Celebration and Recognition: Does the organization celebrate Disability Pride Month and Neurodiversity Day with full participation?
➠ Real Benefits: Are health benefits disability-affirming and comprehensive?
➠ Accessible Communication: Are plain language, captions, and sign language regularly used?
Think about your own workplace. Can it pass this test? Does it go beyond checking boxes to genuinely support all employees? If you’re not sure, start asking questions. Start conversations.
P.S. What else would you add to this checklist? Let’s expand this together and ensure all workplaces are truly inclusive. Share your thoughts!
ID: "Disability-Friendly Corporate Culture Checklist" A checklist with the following items:Got the job through inclusive, accessible interview processes Got accessible restrooms and facilities at work Got no judgments on my use of assistive devices or accommodations Got a workspace that supports self-identification: person-first or identity-based language Got allies who advocate for disability inclusion at work Got disability-affirming health benefitsGot to celebrate Disability Pride Month and Neurodiversity Day with full participation Got accommodated with my sensory, mobility, cognitive, and other needs Got a team that values accessible communication: plain language, captions, sign language, etc. The background is a simple, light-colored texture, with the checklist items in black text and the checkboxes in purple.