Disability is Diversity: Unlocking the Talent Pool

Good Morning, HR

In episode 183, Coffey talks with Ron Fish about increasing workplace accessibility and inclusion for employees with disabilities, particularly focusing on hidden disabilities.

They discuss the low rate of disability inclusion in corporate DEI initiatives; the reluctance of employees to disclose disabilities due to stigma; the importance of universal design in both physical and digital workplaces; the role of employee resource groups in creating safe spaces for disclosure; the minimal costs associated with most accommodations; the critical importance of making corporate websites ADA-compliant; strategies for managers handling accommodation requests.

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About our Guest:

Ron Fish is a Global Talent Acquisition Leader and a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, championing inclusion and accessibility initiatives both within a global software company and across the broader Human Resources community. Inspired by family members who have overcome significant challenges to achieve success, he is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture. Ron speaks at conferences, actively working to increase awareness and visibility for the disability community. His efforts have been honored with the Golden Key Award from the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and he is a finalist for the HR Standout award at the Carolina HR Summit.

Ron Fish can be reached at

https://www.ere.net/authors/ron-fish

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronfish

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).

Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Implement universal design principles in workplace processes and systems to benefit all employees regardless of ability statu
2. Create safe and supportive environments that encourage disability disclosure while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
3. Develop accessible recruitment and hiring practices that remove barriers for candidates with disabilities