D STRATEGY
iversity and inclusion is usually part of a Business School’s strategy, but policies for people with a disability are not always covered. I believe the subject of disability inclusion at international Business Schools is of great importance and should be discussed more. It should become an integral part of an inclusive strategy for Schools worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society, and making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires. One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability. One-fifth of the estimated global total – or between 110 million and 190 million people – experience significant disabilities. Given that disabilities have such wide-reaching effects, it’s surely important for international Business Schools to understand how disabilities can uniquely impact a person, and in turn how Schools can offer their help and support. This may range from looking at application processes to scrutinising the accessibility of buildings and curricula. It includes support not only for the students, but also for the academics and employees (such as me) who work within Business Schools. Drawing on first-hand experience I was born and raised in Bruekelen, and having stayed close to my roots, am now working at the Business School there: Nyenrode Business University. Disability inclusion is a topic close to my heart as I was born with hereditary spastic paraparesis and am a wheelchair user. This is a rare condition, caused
I would like to see brochures featuring images of both disabled and able-bodied people
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