Creating A Workplace Where Everyone Thrives

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities in our workplaces and communities. For employers, this month serves as a reminder to foster inclusive environments where all employees—regardless of ability—feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Why Developmental Disability Awareness Matters
According to the CDC, one in six children in the U.S. is diagnosed with a developmental disability, and many of these individuals continue to face employment barriers into adulthood. A commitment to developmental disability awareness isn’t just about compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—it’s about creating a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their talents fully and equitably.

When organizations prioritize inclusivity, they unlock benefits such as:

• Greater innovation and problem-solving – A diverse workforce brings unique perspectives that drive creative solutions.
• Higher employee engagement – Employees who feel valued are more productive, satisfied, and committed to their work.
• Stronger reputation and retention – Companies known for inclusivity attract top talent and maintain a loyal workforce.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion
Employers can take simple but meaningful steps to foster an environment that supports employees with developmental disabilities. Here’s how:

1. Ensure Accessibility – Review physical and digital spaces to confirm they meet accessibility standards. Simple changes like captioning videos, using screen-reader-friendly software, and ensuring workspaces are navigable can make a significant difference.
2. Provide Reasonable Accommodations – Work with employees to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform their jobs effectively. Flexibility in work arrangements, assistive technologies, and clear communication channels can be game-changers.
3. Encourage Open Dialogue – Normalize conversations about developmental disabilities by fostering a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable requesting accommodations without fear of stigma or retaliation.
4. Train and Educate – Provide ongoing disability awareness training for managers and staff. Education helps break down biases and misconceptions, replacing them with understanding and advocacy.
5. Lead with Empathy – Inclusion starts at the top. When leaders prioritize empathy and model inclusive behavior, it trickles down through the entire organization.

The Call to Action: Kindness, Respect, and Humanity
At the heart of developmental disability awareness is a simple yet profound truth: we are all just trying to live our best lives. Whether someone has a visible or invisible developmental disability, every person deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.

While fostering an inclusive workplace certainly mitigates the risk of discrimination claims and lawsuits, the real reason to commit to this effort is far greater: it’s the right thing to do. We each have a role in creating a culture where no one feels like an outsider, and where every person—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to succeed.

This Developmental Disability Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect on what you can do to make your workplace more inclusive. Start small, listen, learn, and act. Because when we build workplaces rooted in respect and equity, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Let’s work together to build a world where inclusion isn’t just an initiative—it’s a way of doing business.