Beyond Awareness: How to Take Action on Disability Inclusion

March 6, 2025

Raising awareness about disability inclusion is important, but it’s only the first step. Awareness alone doesn’t create accessible workplaces, inclusive policies, or communities where people with disabilities are fully valued and included. Real change happens when individuals and businesses move from awareness to action – turning good intentions into concrete steps that make a lasting impact.

Disability inclusion isn’t just about compliance or checking a box. It’s about ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, resources, and spaces where they can thrive. So, what does action look like? Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference or an organization committed to fostering inclusivity, here are tangible ways to turn advocacy into meaningful change.

Creating inclusive workplaces

Businesses play a critical role in disability inclusion. A truly inclusive workplace isn’t just one that hires people with disabilities; it’s one that actively removes barriers and creates an environment where all employees can succeed. Here’s how:

Build accessibility into hiring practices

Ensure job postings are written in plain language and are accessible to screen readers.
Offer alternative ways for applicants to apply, such as video submissions or interviews via text-based platforms.
Avoid requiring unnecessary physical or cognitive abilities for roles that don’t truly need them.

Provide workplace accommodations without hassle

Make accessibility a standard practice, not a special request.
Create an easy, confidential process for employees to request accommodations without fear of stigma.
Invest in adaptive technology, ergonomic furniture, and flexible work arrangements to support diverse needs.

Train leadership and employees on disability inclusion

Provide regular training on disability awareness, inclusive communication, and accessibility best practices.
Ensure leadership understands that disability inclusion is not just HR’s responsibility – it’s a company-wide commitment.
Foster an open culture where employees feel comfortable discussing accessibility needs.

Making public spaces more accessible

Accessibility should extend beyond the workplace. Public spaces, community events, and digital platforms should all be designed with inclusion in mind. Some steps to consider:

Improve physical accessibility

Ensure entrances, restrooms, and pathways are wheelchair accessible.
Provide seating options at events and ensure venues have proper lighting and sound systems.
Install tactile paving and audio signals at pedestrian crossings.

Ensure digital accessibility

Websites, social media content, and digital resources should be accessible to screen readers and include alt text for images.
Use captioning and transcripts for videos to make content accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
Design documents and forms to be easily navigable for those using assistive technology.

Promote accessible transportation

Advocate for reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation options.
Ensure taxi and ride-sharing services provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Support policies that improve mobility options for people with disabilities.

Taking individual action

Change doesn’t just happen at the corporate or policy level – individuals can make a huge difference in advancing disability inclusion. Here’s how:

Use inclusive language

Words matter. Avoid outdated or offensive terms and instead use respectful, person-first or identity-first language based on individual preferences.
If unsure, ask the person directly how they identify and respect their choice.

Amplify disabled voices

Follow, support, and share content from disability advocates and organizations.
When discussing disability issues, prioritize the perspectives of those with lived experience.
Challenge media representations that reinforce stereotypes and demand better representation in storytelling.

Be an advocate in everyday life

Call out inaccessibility when you see it, whether it’s a building without a ramp or a website that’s hard to navigate.
Support businesses and brands that prioritize accessibility and inclusion.
Have open conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about disability rights and why inclusion matters.

Holding organizations accountable

Policies and corporate commitments mean little without follow-through. Organizations must not only commit to disability inclusion but also measure and report progress. Steps they can take include:

Setting measurable inclusion goals

Track hiring, retention, and promotion rates for employees with disabilities.
Regularly audit accessibility across physical and digital spaces.
Gather feedback from disabled employees and customers to identify areas for improvement.

Partnering with disability organizations

Work with advocacy groups to ensure accessibility standards are met.
Provide funding or sponsorship for programs that support disability inclusion.
Offer mentorship or internship programs specifically for people with disabilities.

Publicly committing to accessibility

Make accessibility a key part of an organization’s mission and values.
Share progress on inclusion initiatives transparently.
Encourage other businesses and partners to follow suit.

Moving beyond awareness

Awareness is important, but it’s only the starting point. Real inclusion happens when businesses, policymakers, and individuals commit to making every day spaces, workplaces, and digital environments accessible to all. It requires action: advocating for change, removing barriers, and actively creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in society.

At A Life Worth Living, we are dedicated to making disability inclusion a reality. We provide resources, training, and advocacy to help businesses, organizations, and individuals move beyond awareness and take real steps toward accessibility and equity.

Inclusion isn’t just about acknowledging that barriers exist – it’s about removing them. The time for action is now.