Persons with disabilities seeking to participate fully in the economy are often confronted with unique challenges, such as inaccessible workplaces, lack of access to finance, and limited opportunities for skills-building. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these barriers, as entrepreneurs and small businesses transitioned operations online, yet many digital platforms, services, and technologies remain inaccessible to those with impairments.
Business membership organizations (BMOs) are well-positioned to advance the inclusion of persons with disabilities and help build democracies and economies that deliver for all. They can provide entrepreneurship training in accessible formats and venues, encourage members to implement best practices for inclusion when hiring staff, advise members on how to provide assistive technologies, and advocate for policies that support inclusive markets.
This resource highlights how business associations and chambers of commerce can foster greater inclusion of persons with disabilities both in their own operations – such as developing training content, resources, and programs that are accessible – and by implementing advocacy initiatives that address specific barriers faced by persons with disabilities in business.
If you are using a screen reader, we recommend reviewing this resource in Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
Published Date: December 03, 2024