Why Hiring and Supporting Individuals with Disabilities Helps Employers and the Community

An inclusive workforce that supports people with disabilities provides immense

benefits for employers and the community. Beyond fulfilling a social responsibility, hiring individuals with disabilities is a smart business strategy that improves a company's bottom line, fosters innovation, and enhances its public image.

The Case for Inclusion

Companies that embrace disability inclusion often outperform their competitors. According to a report by Accenture, a multinational strategy and consulting company, companies excelling in disability inclusion saw 28% higher revenue and 30% better economic profit margins than their peers. I myself saw a 25% increase for my company when I began to support this philosophy. This success is a result of several factors that work together.

Increased Productivity and Innovation: Employees with disabilities bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills honed by navigating a world not always designed for them. This diversity of thought can lead to new ideas and more efficient processes in your operations.

Many studies have shown that employees with disabilities are just as productive as, if not more productive than, their non-disabled peers when they are placed in the right role. For example, a study of Walgreens' employees found that workers with disabilities were more productive in certain locations.

Having employees with disabilities also expands a company's innovation, requiring out-of-the-box thinking and ingenuity that could be very successful for operations and lead to new products or services catered to accommodations.

Toyota, for example, built a Sienna van that would lower itself and lean to the side of entry to accommodate a person in a wheelchair. It was a great new idea imagined because they had disabled employees in mind.

Higher Employee Retention and Morale: People with disabilities are highly reliable, taking fewer sick days and staying in their jobs longer than other workers. They generally strive to prove their ability to perform like everyone else rather than be bound by their limitations.

This reduces recruitment and training costs, saving companies a significant amount of money. An inclusive environment also boosts morale for all employees, as it fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and belonging.

Expanded Customer Base: The "disability market" is a massive and often untapped consumer base. Companies that hire people with disabilities gain a better understanding of this market, which represents $1.9 trillion in annual disposable income, as I mentioned in my Toyota example. Customers are also more likely to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to inclusion.

A national survey found that 92% of consumers feel more favorably toward companies that hire people with disabilities. Since embracing disability inclusion, I am in constant contact with individuals with disabilities looking for work. It's a wonderful feeling to know you can help someone gain gainful employment and contribute to our economy and workforce.

Accommodations and Support

A common misconception among employers is that accommodating employees with disabilities is expensive and difficult. In reality, most accommodations are simple and low-cost. A study by the U.S. Department of Labor's Job Accommodation Network (JAN) found that 58% of accommodations cost absolutely nothing, while others typically cost around $500. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

·       Physical modifications: Installing ramps, adjusting desk heights, or providing reserved parking.

·       Flexible schedules: Allowing modified work hours for medical appointments.

·       Assistive technology: Providing screen readers, voice recognition software, or ergonomic equipment.

Additionally, many governments offer financial incentives like tax credits and grants to help businesses cover the costs of accommodations and make their workplaces more accessible. DISID, the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, also has funding support for these accommodations.

Building a Stronger Community

The benefits of disability inclusion extend far beyond the workplace, strengthening the community. When individuals with disabilities are employed, they achieve greater economic self-sufficiency, which reduces their reliance on social assistance programs and increases the overall tax base.

Inclusive employment also breaks down social barriers and stereotypes, promoting a more equitable and empathetic society. In essence, it brings people together, allowing us to see each other not by our differences, but by our value.

By providing opportunities for people with disabilities, businesses are not just doing well; they're doing good—good for themselves and the community as a whole. They're building a more productive, innovative, and loyal workforce while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive community.

If you are a business owner in Guam or have the position in your organization to do so, consider supporting our local people with disabilities to join you in making Guam a better place to work and live.

Originally published in guampdn.com on October 14, 2025