Why Disability Inclusion Must Be a Year-Round Commitment

Disability inclusion is not a theme for a single month, a checkbox to tick, or a highlight for an awareness day. It’s a long-term, intentional commitment that belongs in every part of an organization—every day of the year.

We know firsthand that real inclusion takes consistency, not just celebration. And while Disability Awareness Days and recognition months are important for visibility, the work doesn’t stop there—it begins again the next day.

Inclusion Isn't Seasonal

Too often, organizations spotlight disability inclusion during specific times—like National Disability Employment Awareness Month or Disability Pride Month—only to go quiet the rest of the year.

But for people with disabilities, barriers don’t take a break. Discrimination, lack of accommodations, inaccessible hiring practices, and limited advancement opportunities exist year-round.

True inclusion means:

• Hiring equitably

• Onboarding accessibly

• Offering accommodations proactively

• Creating workplace cultures where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Every. Single. Day.

5 Ways to Show Year-Round Commitment to Disability Inclusion

1. Audit and Improve Hiring Practices

Are your job descriptions inclusive? Is your application process accessible? Are hiring managers trained in disability awareness? Continual review and improvement show that you're committed to access at every level.

2. Create Ongoing Education Opportunities

Train your staff—not just once, but regularly. Make disability inclusion part of your onboarding, leadership development, and programming. And remember: training should be led or informed by people with lived experience.

3. Celebrate Employee Voices

Inclusion isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. Feature stories of employees with disabilities, highlight their contributions, and invite feedback on what supports real inclusion in your workplace.

4. Build Accessibility into Every Process

Don’t wait for someone to ask for accommodations. Bake accessibility into everything—from team meetings to digital tools, workspaces, and communications. This normalizes inclusion and removes the burden from individuals to self-advocate constantly.

5. Invest in Community Partnerships

Support organizations that work in the disability inclusion space (like TVW, Inc!). Partner with us to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce—and learn how your business can be part of the solution.

Inclusion doesn’t happen with a campaign. It happens with commitment. When you prioritize disability inclusion all year long, you create a workplace that’s not just diverse, but equitable—not just accessible, but empowering.

Let’s move beyond awareness. Let’s build a world where disability inclusion is the standard—not the exception.