Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

If you think disability inclusion is just another diversity initiative, you’re underestimating its power—and your company is missing out. Every day, companies lose out on creativity, innovation, and growth simply because they aren’t accessible to all employees. Are you ready to change that?

Imagine walking through your office. On the outside, everything seems fine—people are working, teams are meeting, emails are flying. But behind those smiles and screens, how many talented employees feel like outsiders because your systems weren’t designed with them in mind? How many breakthroughs are being stifled?

Now imagine if every employee, regardless of ability, felt truly empowered to contribute their best. How much more could your company achieve if disability inclusion became your secret weapon for unlocking innovation, boosting engagement, and building a culture where everyone thrives?

The solution lies in these six essential pillars of disability inclusion. Each pillar is a piece of the puzzle, and when they come together, they create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and your company can truly succeed.

At It’s Your Outcome, we guide companies step by step through these pillars, ensuring your organization is accessible, inclusive, and ready for long-term growth.

What’s Really Holding Your Team Back? Hint: It Might Be Accessibility

It’s easy to assume your technology is doing its job. But if it’s not accessible, it’s leaving your employees—especially those with disabilities—struggling to keep up. The truth? A workplace digital accessibility audit could be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential.

Ask yourself:

1. Is your software compatible with screen readers?
2. Are your video calls equipped with captions for employees who are deaf or hard of hearing?
3. Can every employee, regardless of mobility, navigate your internal systems easily?

Example: Microsoft didn’t just audit their systems for compliance—they made changes that led to a 20% increase in productivity. That’s not just accessibility—that’s good business.

But accessibility alone isn’t enough. Your people need to be empowered to use it effectively.

At It’s Your Outcome, we conduct comprehensive accessibility audits to identify gaps and implement the changes your company needs to make accessibility a reality for every employee.

Want Innovation? Start with Inclusion Training

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when diverse voices come together, each bringing their unique perspective. But here’s the hard truth: If your employees don’t understand disability inclusion, you’re not hearing from everyone.

Training is the game-changer. Companies that make disability inclusion a core part of their culture see:

• 52% more engagement
• 33% more innovation

When employees are trained in inclusion, collaboration improves, employees feel more empowered, and creative solutions start to flow.

At It’s Your Outcome, we design and deliver tailored disability inclusion training programs that not only raise awareness but foster collaboration, empathy, and innovation across your teams.

What’s Your Hiring Process Really Saying About Your Culture?

Take a close look at your hiring process. Is it truly inclusive? Are your job descriptions free from bias? Are your interviews designed to accommodate candidates with disabilities?

If not, you’re missing brilliant minds who might otherwise walk away. Inclusive hiring practices are the gateway to a diverse workforce that thrives on different perspectives.

When your recruitment process is truly inclusive:

• You attract top talent from all backgrounds.
• You create a company culture that values diversity and innovation.

Example: Unilever revamped its job descriptions to remove bias, leading to a 40% increase in applications from diverse candidates—and that diversity drove better innovation.

It’s Your Outcome can help you build inclusive hiring practices that attract and retain top talent. From bias-free job descriptions to accessible interviews, we’ll ensure your hiring process reflects your commitment to diversity.

Is Your Wellness Program Truly Inclusive?

It’s easy to offer rewards like gym memberships and meditation apps, but are your wellness programs truly inclusive of employees with disabilities? Flexible work schedules, remote options, and accessible mental health support—these are the kinds of rewards that really matter when it comes to fostering inclusion.

Supporting employees with disabilities goes beyond wellness rewards—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Example: One global company introduced flexible work options and tailored mental health resources for employees with disabilities, leading to a 25% increase in retention and overall job satisfaction.

At It’s Your Outcome, we design tailored wellness programs that accommodate the needs of all your employees, ensuring long-term retention and engagement.

ERGs: More Than a Group—A Driver of Culture

Creating a truly inclusive culture isn’t just about providing support—it’s about giving employees a voice. That’s why Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on disability inclusion are so powerful. They’re not just groups—they’re catalysts for change. When employees with disabilities can connect, share experiences, and advocate for their needs, your company becomes a place where they feel truly valued.

Companies that support ERGs see a 21% increase in retention because of belonging matters. Employees stay where they feel connected, heard, and understood.

But here’s the kicker: ERGs need support from leadership to truly make an impact.

At It’s Your Outcome, we help companies launch and support thriving disability-focused ERGs that drive cultural change, foster community, and build stronger workplaces.

Compliance Is the Baseline, Empowerment Is the Goal

Meeting ADA compliance is essential, but it’s the bare minimum. If you’re only focused on legal compliance, you’re missing what could be a game-changing strategy for your company. Going beyond ADA compliance means creating policies that do more than protect your employees—they empower them.

True inclusion isn’t just about avoiding risk. It’s about building a workplace where employees with disabilities feel safe, valued, and ready to give their best.

Example: One organization updated its accessibility policies before new regulations came into effect. They not only avoided legal challenges but positioned themselves as a leading employer in the marketplace, attracting top talent who valued their commitment to inclusion.

At It’s Your Outcome, we take your policies beyond compliance, helping you create a workplace where employees with disabilities are empowered to contribute at their highest potential.

The 6 Pillars of Disability Inclusion: Your Blueprint for Success

You now have the blueprint for transforming your workplace through disability inclusion. These six pillars—accessibility audits, inclusion training, inclusive hiring, tailored wellness programs, ERGs, and going beyond compliance—are the key to unlocking a future where your company not only meets the needs of all employees but thrives because of it.

Disability inclusion isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. By implementing these strategies, you’re not just building a more inclusive workplace—you’re unlocking innovation, driving engagement, and creating a culture that will carry your company into the future.

But time is of the essence. Every day you wait, you risk missing innovation, talent, and engagement. Let’s make your workplace one where everyone can thrive—starting today.

At It’s Your Outcome, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Build an Inclusive Workplace?

Let’s make it happen. Contact us today for a personalized consultation, and let’s start creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Together, we’ll unlock the full potential of your workforce.