SHRM Launches 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge in Collaboration with ODEP and ABLE today
May 2, 2023
View article on SHRM.org
ALEXANDRIA, VA - Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in collaboration with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the U.S. Department of Labor and ABLE today, an initiative of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), announced the launch of the 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide HR professionals and business executives with the necessary resources and tools to create more inclusive workplaces for disabled workers.
The 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge encourages organizations to commit to fostering a culture of inclusivity, increasing representation, and providing support for disabled employees. By signing the pledge, businesses demonstrate their commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all workers, regardless of their abilities.
“The 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge enables leaders to foster equitable, inclusive workplaces for workers with disabilities,” says Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief of Staff & Head of Public Affairs. “The pledge empowers businesses to take impactful action, improving disabled workers' lives.”
“The U.S. Department of Labor’s alliance with SHRM helps advance equitable and inclusive workplaces that support everyone, including those with disabilities. This partnership allows us to expand our reach and equip more HR managers with the resources they need to meet their inclusion goals,” said Taryn Williams, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy. “We encourage all employers and HR managers to take the Disability Inclusion Pledge and to continue promoting an accessible and fully inclusive workforce.”
“People with disabilities are ready, willing and able to work," said Sara Hart Weir, National Disability Activist and Senior Advisor at ABLE today. “Our goal through this partnership is not only to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in our workforce but also educate employees [with disabilities] and their caregivers about ABLE accounts and how employers can offer ABLE Account benefits in a workplace to promote disability inclusion and recruit new talent.”
The launch of the 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge is accompanied by a suite of resources designed to support organizations in implementing these best practices. Resources include educational materials, training sessions, and expert guidance to help businesses build inclusive cultures and develop effective disability inclusion strategies.
Businesses interested in signing the 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge and accessing the available resources can visit www.pledgeinclusion.shrm.org for more information.
About SHRM: SHRM creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 235 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org.
About ODEP: The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Labor dedicated to developing and influencing policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
About ABLE today: ABLE today is an initiative from the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). Their mission is to advance financial empowerment for people with disabilities by increasing the awareness of ABLE accounts. They work towards educating employers about how providing information about ABLE accounts as part of the workplace benefit is an excellent way to promote disability inclusion and recruits new talent.