Disability featured in Global Compact Policy Dialogue 2006

The case for diversity in the workplace is expanding to include disability and disabled workers. This was reflected in the Global Compact Policy Dialogue held in London on 6-7 October 2006, which had a theme of combating discrimination and promoting equality in the workplace. No doubt disabled workers face discrimination; promoting equity requires attention on many levels---developing company policy, changing attitudes; making reasonable accommodations and ensuring that disabled persons have access to the same rights and benefits in the workplace as others.

The Global Compact Policy Dialogue included two panel presentations on disability. One addressed the challenges faced by large employers. Sky TV and Telephonic were among the panelists. A second panel highlighted the needs of small and medium-sized companies and addressed how employers’ organizations, trade unions and NGOs can help SMEs reap the benefits of a diverse workplace inclusive of disabled persons. Representatives from the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon and the managing director of ID Lanka, Limited, a Sri Lanka beverage distributor were among the panelists. Both panels included disabled persons working in the field of workplace access for disabled persons. The Senior Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation from Asia and the Pacific chaired both panels.

To learn more about this important event, see the Global Compact Policy Dialogue Web site.

See also Employment and Disabled Persons - Information Sheet

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