Disability Friendly - by John D Kemp (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Although progress has been made around equality for marginalized groups defined by race, gender, sexual orientation and others - most organizations' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts do not include people with disabilities. Although 90% of organizations claim to prioritize diversity, only 4% consider disability in DE&I initiatives. Yet people with disabilities make up 15% of the population - about 1 billion people worldwide. They are all too often overlooked. DISABILITY FRIENDLY starts with the roadblocks able people have to understanding and engaging people with disabilities, and how to get over the initial discomfort many able people have. It goes on to explain how businesses, schools, government, churches, and other organizations can open up to the contributions and talents of people with disabilities and create a culture of inclusion and reasonable accommodation. It explains the leader's role and how to communicate a vision for change that inspires others. Finally, it explains how to engage, recruit, and hire people with disabilities. This groundbreaking book will open the world's eyes to the overlooked potential of people with disabilities"--

Book Synopsis

Create a true culture of inclusion

Although progress has been made around equality for many marginalized groups, people with disabilities are still massively underrepresented in organizations' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. People with disabilities make up at least 15% of the population, yet they are still too often overlooked. Many people with disabilities are highly motivated, create fantastic work, and add tremendous value to organizations.

Disability Friendly is a clarion call to businesses around the world to realize the opportunities presented by employing people with disabilities. It explains the potential of disabled employees, how to create a culture of inclusion, and, in the process, help people with disabilities become proud contributors.

In this book, you'll find:

• Concrete strategies for redesigning work and its processes to embrace all contributing citizens
• Ways to incorporate disability supports into a business' diversity and inclusion practices and initiatives
• Methods for reducing the massive cost associated with government disability support payments and repurpose these as investments in the human potential of people with disabilities

Ideal for executives, managers, and other business leaders, Disability Friendly will also earn a place in the libraries of Diversity and Inclusion and Human Resources professionals seeking to make an impact on their company and on behalf of a marginalized group.

From the Back Cover

Praise for Disability Friendly

"Disability Friendly is a brilliant blueprint for disability inclusion that guides and emboldens us to drive change for the benefit of all. No one brings more credibility and insight to this subject than Kemp. Disability Friendly provides not only a compelling rationale for inclusion but also the tried-and-true tools to transform any organizational culture to be inclusive of people with disabilities. Inclusive leadership will simply win out over traditional practices. Get it and you'll see!"
--CARI M. DOMINGUEZ, Corporate Director and Chair, NACD Center for Inclusive Governance; Former Chair, U.S. EEOC

"I applaud my friend and mentor John Kemp for inspiring further inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. We know that when people view their disability as a strength, they can bring their authentic selves to work, which improves productivity, fosters innovation, and drives financial success."
--JILL D. HOUGHTON, President and CEO, Disability: In

"John is visionary, pragmatic, and charming and has had a phenomenal impact on our movement for decades. I am grateful for this book and for the generosity, passion, and value that John brings to the global effort to make disability inclusion more of an expected business competence."
--ANDY IMPARATO, former President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities; Executive Director, Disability Rights California

"Based on his lived experiences, John Kemp provides a unique perspective for any organization committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities. He brings his deep expertise to provide a practical guide for leaders who see disability inclusion as a competitive advantage for the success of their organizations. Written with candor and clarity, Disability Friendly is a must-read, must-have book for any twenty-first century leader."
--ROHINI ANAND, Former SVP Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer, Sodexo; Board Member, Sanofi and Charter Communications DEI Advisory Boards

About the Author

JOHN D. KEMP is widely respected as a leader in the disability movement for more than forty years. John currently serves as president and CEO of Lakeshore Foundation, an organization providing opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to lead healthy, active, independent lives. As a co-founder of the American Association of People with Disabilities and as an international speaker and disability rights leader, John serves as a catalyst for change and increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.