At PwC, the journey we offer our people is centred around—Grow Here. Go Further.—shaping tomorrow together with our clients, committing to growth, bringing the best, embracing inclusion and driving impact. We create value through diverse teams with different skills, perspectives, backgrounds and expertise. Our colleagues and clients with visible and non-visible disabilities are an integral part of this vibrant mix, enriching our collaborations and helping us deliver distinctive outcomes.
More than a billion people in the world today experience a disability, with 80% of the disabilities being non-visible. Whether you realise it or not, you are likely collaborating with people with disabilities every day.
We understand the power of advocacy and allyship—both for ourselves and for those around us. Yet, disability inclusion confidence and awareness are still growing, and many people are unsure where and how they can make an impact.
Here are some actions you can take today to make an impact:
- Champion accessibility through your work. Make sure that physical spaces, digital platforms, and events are accessible, meaning they are easy to see, hear, understand and interact with by all, including those with disabilities. For example, use closed captions on videos, alternative text for images in presentations and ask event participants if they require any adjustments.
- Lead with awareness and education. Learn about how different types of disabilities can affect your colleagues along with how accessibility can help them; share your knowledge to create a more understanding environment.
- Turn commitment into action. Promote disability inclusion and accessibility by attending events, supporting campaigns and participating in training. Challenge assumptions and advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion whenever you see the chance.
- Understand individual identity and language preferences. Ask people how they prefer to be identified, listen to their descriptions and avoid assumptions.
- Respect autonomy, consent, and privacy. Avoid making assumptions about capabilities, accessibility or adjustment needs—instead ask questions and listen. Do not move or touch a person's mobility equipment (like a wheelchair or cane) without permission.
- Practice active allyship. Be willing to understand, listen, and take action to contribute to an inclusive environment for your colleagues with disabilities. Allyship is a commitment, not a one-off act.
If you are an individual with a disability, discussing this openly takes courage, and you should consider doing so at your own pace and comfort level. Remember, your perspectives and lived experiences are valued, contributing to a broader culture of awareness around disability inclusion.
Some options to consider:
- Share your working style. Tell your colleagues how you prefer to interact and collaborate, encouraging those you work with to do the same.
- Express what you need to thrive. Discuss your accessibility, accommodation or adjustment needs in your preferred manner. Sharing these improves your environment and paves the way for others.
- Tell your story. If you choose to share your personal experiences in a way that feels safe and authentic, you cultivate understanding, challenge misconceptions and empower others. This helps build a community where people feel comfortable discussing disabilities.
At PwC, inclusion is one of the keys to unlocking our people’s full potential. We recognise the opportunity to better include people with disabilities. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, offering tailored adjustments, meaningful support and empowering environments.
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s remember: together, we can set the future in motion by embracing disability inclusion and unlocking the power and potential of all our people.
Learn more about PwC’s network approach to disability inclusion.
