Debra Ruh authored five articles for Forbes Council Business in 2021: Articles all bout how organizations can successfully reach the community of people with disabilities and the new trends and opportunities that arise in this area.
Hiring people with disabilities makes business sense and makes your organization stronger. In this series of articles, you will be able to get expert insights on including the community of people with disabilities in the workplace.
You can read the articles here:
The Rise In Telework During The Pandemic, An Opportunity For Accessibility And Inclusion
Focusing on inclusion and diversity is more important than ever during a crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many were forced to socially isolate and physically distance themselves to limit the pathogen’s spread throughout the pandemic. Nations went into an economic recession, and millions lost their jobs. We saw people unable to work, and businesses closed.
People who have disabilities have faced and continue to face unique challenges during a time like this, including inequality of support and a lack of access to information and communication technology. Accessibility can improve the lives of millions of people who have disabilities. This current inequality requires governments, decision-makers, and organizations to accelerate a digital transformation and expand the range of services for people who have disabilities for accessibility and digital inclusion.
Read the full article here.
Creating Opportunities For People With Disabilities In STEM Careers
Professionals with disabilities often face considerable difficulties in the workforce, specifically in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In my view, as the founder of a firm that helps companies strategically include people with disabilities, some of the reasons for this are a lack of confidence on the part of technology companies in embracing people with disabilities, in addition to a lack of awareness and belief in the ability of these people in the domain of STEM.
This indicates a need to encourage and support students with disabilities to enter and complete post-secondary education in STEM to compete in this growing job market. Job opportunities in STEM fields should be open to everyone, including people with disabilities, as they can also secure and succeed in those positions.
Read the full article here.
The Importance Of Disability Pride In The Workplace
Each year, we celebrate International Disability Pride Month in July. This annual event focuses on people with disabilities, who make up the largest minority group in the population and represent all abilities, ages, genders, races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s a group that also experiences oppression through employment, exclusion from education, social isolation, and poor access to wellness and healthcare. It has a higher likelihood of being a victim of abuse and bullying.
The month of July also coincides with when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed, creating a new era of diversity and change for the disability community, including Disability Pride. From my perspective, Disability Pride is all about embracing disabilities so that people can learn to love and be proud of themselves on hard days.
My company specializes in disability inclusion. Through this experience, I’ve found that people with disabilities don’t necessarily need or want the sympathy of others, just acceptance as they make a change and positive impact.
Read the full article here.
Creating A More Accessible And Inclusive Workplace For People With Disabilities
Many people with disabilities still face significant difficulties finding employment, despite the marked improvement after the Americans with Disabilities Act. When they get new jobs, they then may face a workplace environment that is not tailored to their needs and requirements.
Technology can play an essential role in creating an accessible future of work. Rapid developments in assistive technology devices and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, virtual reality, and augmented reality, can help people with disabilities engage in the workplace by creating an accessible and inclusive environment.
Read the full article here.
Cybersecurity And The Untapped Talent Pool Of People Who Are Neurodiverse
Cybersecurity is a growing and lucrative field. It is an industry in which you can make a difference globally; however, I believe it is also an industry where there needs to be more focus on diversity and inclusion, especially when it comes to hiring neurodiverse employees.
As the founder of a company that helps organizations become disability inclusion leaders, I believe there is an opportunity for cybersecurity companies to show the world what true inclusion can look like with deliberate intention.
Read the full article here.
Debra Ruh An Official Member in Forbes Business Council
Debra Ruh, the CEO, and founder of Ruh Global IMPACT, Chairwoman, and Co-Founder of Billion Strong Organization, is an official member of the Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders worldwide.
Debra Ruh has experience in inclusion and diversity in employing persons with disabilities in companies. Also, she has a proven track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics and personal and professional achievements and honors.
“We are honored to welcome Debra Ruh into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Business Council.
“Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”
As an official member of the Council, Debra has access to various exclusive opportunities designed to help her reach peak professional influence.
About Forbes Councils
Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive.
