ONLY 3% OF ARTICLES DISCUSSING DIVERSITY REFERENCE DISABILITY
The Valuable 500, the biggest global network of CEOs committed to diversity, have signed up to put disability inclusion on their board agendas, after it was found only three percent of articles discussed diversity referenced disability in 2019 and 2020.
The largest network of CEOs in the world has called for the next decade to be the decade of disability inclusion, in a significant move by global leaders. The likes of American Express, Expedia Group, L’Oréal and Philip Morris International are among those pledging to put disability inclusion on their board agendas, after international data revealed just three percent of media articles referenced disability. In addition, despite references to ‘disability’ in the media rising by 55 percent in the last five years, only one in three articles mentioned about disability in business.
The announcement comes on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and while it’s clear there’s a growing increase in awareness around disability inclusion, it’s still not as firmly embedded in the diversity and inclusion agenda as it should be – particularly conversations around business leadership. Others signing up include Allianz, Birds Eye, Schindler Group, Schroders, and Unisys.
Originally launched at Davos in January 2019 by Caroline Casey and Paul Polman, The Valuable 500 remains the only global CEO community dedicated to radically transforming the business system across the whole supply chain for the benefit of all those with a disability. “This is an historic moment for disability inclusion on the eve of a decade of disruption,” said Casey. “Today is a day for celebrating the immense contribution persons with disabilities bring to business and society more broadly – this 15% of the global population bring diversity of thought and lived experience and a wealth of talent, all vital for the business sustainability agenda.”
Referring to the fact that 360 CEOs have joined the community in the past two years, she added, “If the business community pulls together and stands united in ensuring disability inclusion is a central part of their leadership agenda, we can truly make a difference globally.”
Said Peter Kern, CEO and Vice Chairman of Expedia Group, “We’re incredibly proud to join The Valuable 500’s global collective and turn our commitment to disability inclusion into action. We believe in the power of travel; that it can change lives, open minds and knock down barriers.”
While Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB, said, “We hold economic and social inclusion as one of the pillars of our sustainability strategy, and constantly seek ways to increase our positive impact on society. This is why our relationship with the Valuable 500 is a powerful match in what we do and want to achieve.”
This year in particular has prompted much reflection on disability inclusion, from the changes to society COVID-19 has catalysed to it being the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of Britain’s Disability Discrimination Act.
Inclusion of persons with disabilities is also integral to meeting the UN’s 2030 agenda over the next decade. Currently, 15 percent of the global population are persons with disabilities (53 percent when you include the families of persons with disabilities).