Although 90% of organizations claim to prioritize diversity, the unfortunate reality is that only 4% consider disability in DEI initiatives. People with disabilities make up at least 15% of the population (more than 1 billion people worldwide) yet are too often overlooked.
In the new book, Disability Friendly: How to Move from Clueless to Inclusive (Wiley, October 11), world-renowned disability activist and consultant, John D. Kemp, has written a clarion call to realize the gifts and talents of people with disabilities. Drawing from his decades of experience helping thousands of leaders create disability-friendly organizations, Kemp identifies the roadblocks to understanding and engaging people with disabilities, offers proven approaches for overcoming the initial discomfort people may have working with disabled colleagues, and demonstrates how businesses, schools, government, churches, and other organizations can open up to the contributions and talents of people with disabilities.
The first book of its kind to discuss the barriers and opportunities for accommodating the millions of Americans with disabilities, a deep examination of Disability Culture and by a person with the lived disability experience, Disability Friendly is essential reading for everyone. It will be especially useful to DEI, human resources, information/technology professionals, and leaders who care about diversity, equity, and inclusion, but have not yet fully incorporated people with disabilities into their strategies and practices.
