A group of representing over $1 trillion in assets is looking to use its clout to pressure companies into hiring more persons with disabilities.
With a joint statement issued this week, the group led by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read is urging businesses they’re invested in to take a series of steps to better include persons with disabilities.
“As investors representing over $1 trillion in assets under management, we believe companies must do more to include people with disabilities in the workforce. We want our portfolio companies to create sustainable, long-term value; this requires a workforce with a wide range of viewpoints, skills, abilities and experiences. We believe, and research has demonstrated, that embracing equality, diversity, and inclusiveness is increasingly critical to the long-term success of corporations in the global marketplace”.
In spite of these benefits, Accenture estimates that 10.7 million people with disabilities continue to be underrepresented in corporate America, representing the large underutilized talent pool. Disability inclusion is a significant opportunity for companies to improve their performance, enhance labor-force diversity, and develop a sustainable corporate culture.
