When Craig Warren wrapped up his studies and stepped into his career as a music therapist, he was living the dream, until that dream was snatched away faster than your favorite takeout on a Friday night. After a switch to a new electronic medical record system at work, he, unfortunately, fell into the trap that many people with disabilities face. Used to working with his screen reader, when the system became incompatible, Craig was shown the door.

This isn’t just a sad reality for Craig; it’s a widespread issue that echoes throughout California. In 2023, only 24% of people with disabilities were in the workforce, a stark contrast to the 78% participation rate of their non-disabled counterparts. Oh, California, while you’re busy promoting inclusion, where’s the real follow-through?

Here’s where the plot thickens. Remote work, which surged during the pandemic, has introduced a plethora of tech that is paving the way for more accessible workplaces. Voice recognition software? Check. Auto-captioning for videos? Double-check. All of these resources are available, sometimes at minimal or no cost, to enhance workplace inclusivity.

But, let’s pump the brakes, having the tech isn’t enough. Employers need to step up and provide training to integrate these tools effectively. Without guidance, businesses risk missing out on a talent pool that’s loaded with fresh perspectives (hint: it’s a no-brainer).

Organizations like Ability Central have decided to put their money where their mouth is, drenching $15 million into nonprofits focused on breaking down communication barriers for people with disabilities. One notable gem among these initiatives is the job readiness program by the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, which dishes out paid internships and vital leadership training for disabled students. Let’s hear it for those blazing trails!

Another great example? Mychal’s Learning Place, which fosters employment and encourages new businesses that harness the skills of youth with developmental disabilities. This is what we’re talking about, job opportunities for populations that are critically underserved.

Craig now holds a position at Ability Central as a Salesforce administrator, where accessibility features empower him to seamlessly perform at work. As he aptly puts it, “My hope is that I can make the online world a more accessible, inclusive place”.

Here’s a rallying cry for every employer out there: invest in accessible tech, create programs for workforce development, and watch as you unlock a future that includes everyone. The power of inclusivity doesn’t just boom community, it revolutionizes workplaces and the economy, too. Let’s get this show on the road!