Resources for the Workplace
Are you interested in improving your organization’s disability inclusion practices?
Through collaborative relationships, Summit Future Foundation guides local businesses in the development and implementation of policies and practices proven to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
The Benefits of being an Inclusive Employer
Increased Innovation
Persons with disabilities can translate and innovate products and services so that everyone benefits. Employers can help develop and harness creative strengths such as problem-solving skills, agility, persistence, forethought and a willingness to experiment.
Improved Shareholder Value
Businesses that support and foster disability inclusion practices report bottom-line benefits with proven ROI.
Improved Productivity
Work environments that are more inclusive are shown to reduce staff turnover - by up to 30%. Employers discover that employing persons with disabilities is not as expensive or challenging as is often assumed.
Access to the Supplier Ecosystem
Awareness of diverse customer needs, increased market share, shareholder value and brand enhancement are advantages of diversity in the workplace. Employees thrive where they can see meaningful work in action throughout their entire organization.
Improved Market Share
Companies that set up specific disability-related programs and marketing efforts can expect an increase in patronage from persons with disabilities.
Enhanced Reputation
Adopting inclusive marketing efforts allows business to stand out from the competition as well as interacting with brand-loyal customers, who are shown to spend more.
Information above was obtained by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
“I would highly recommend that employers consider hiring individuals with disabilities. If your company can provide an opportunity to give a person a purpose, it will not only benefit your company, but can provide a lasting positive effect for the individual and the community. I see no disadvantage to becoming an inclusive employer.”
Is your business ready to be an inclusive employer?
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Disablity Inclusion 101
For organizations getting started on the journey of creating more inclusive work environments, Disabilty Inclusion 101 provides a half-day training experience for organizational leadership. We will take a deep dive into factors that impact inclusivity in the workplace and start the development of tangible practices that can be implemented in any business.
This foundational training results in improved hiring practices, a more diverse workforce and organizations who are contributing to efforts of creating a more inclusive community for all.
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Individual Consultation
For organization specific technical assistance, Summit Future Foundation provides individual consultations that focus on a variety of entity specific elements including development of policies and practices that promote inclusion at all levels of an organization, training for hiring managers to increase accessibility of employment opportunities for applicants with a disability, and staff trainings on best practices in being an inclusive co-worker.
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Enhancing the Lives of Youth with Disabilities
For entities that are intested in supporting our youth engagement programs and workforce development initiatives, become a Watch Me Thrive host.
A Watch Me Thrive Transition Services host site provides current high school student volunteers and internship opportunities, which provide vital work-based learning experiences that are proven to increase the teen’s ability to gain and maintain inclusive employment in the future.
The City of Kansas City fully commits to the Model Employer initiative, only the second in the nation to adopt inclusive hiring practices
The Model Employer initiative is designed to support local and state level governments in advancing the recruitment, hiring, and retention of people with disabilities through their own employment policies. This approach focuses on evaluating hiring practices, establishing strategic goals, and adopting policies and practices that result in creating a more inclusive workforce.