Reminder: National Disability Employment Awareness Month is this October

Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of corporate boardrooms and public discourse these days, and that conversation must include hiring and retaining employees with disabilities.

Thankfully, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is this October, which not only celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities, but reminds us why they are so vital to an organization. This is an important message all year long.

Individual with disabilities bring a unique perspective, resilience, and creativity to the table, making them valuable assets that companies should actively seek to include and support.

However, despite the progress we’ve made in recognizing the importance of diversity, there is still much work to be done to ensure that employees with disabilities are fully integrated into the workforce. The biggest misconception is that a disability is synonymous with incapacity or inadequacy. Many people with disabilities have overcome challenges to reach where they are today, displaying remarkable determination and adaptability. These qualities often translate into the workplace, where employees with disabilities can be problem solvers and team members.

Hiring employees with disabilities isn’t merely a matter of corporate social responsibility; it’s also a smart business decision. A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives and ideas, which can lead to innovative solutions and improved decision-making. By excluding employees with disabilities, companies miss out on valuable insights and contributions that can enhance their competitiveness. Accommodations for employees with disabilities also tend to benefit all employees. For instance, accessible facilities and technologies improve usability for everyone, not just those with disabilities. These changes often result in more efficient workspaces and better products and services for customers. Employing people with disabilities will also attract disabled customers, and this market controls over $13 trillion in disposable income every year, according to Hireup.com.

Mark Pound is the CEO of Curbcutos, an organization making the digital world more accessible for people with disabilities.