Academy-Award Winning Actor Marlee Matlin & Easterseals to Headline The Marketing Power of Disability Conference Presented by PRWeek
At Easterseals, we believe in the power of the disability community, the unlimited potential of some 61 million Americans with disabilities. It’s undeniable. And yet, far too many adults with disabilities remain under- or unemployed, with businesses and others in our communities still failing to tap this incredible pool of talent.
After more than a year of navigating life through the pandemic, this fact is now only magnified. As we noted in our recent study about the impact of COVID-19, working-age adults with disabilities report far greater levels of unemployment than in prior years, with more than one million losing their jobs within the first few months of the pandemic. These study findings also show we must act now to change the landscape for people with disabilities to assure greater equity and inclusion for them in the post-pandemic world.
This means advancing equity for all in our communities. To do so, we must increase employment opportunities by helping people with disabilities, older workers, and veterans find and hold meaningful jobs.
Fortunately, the pursuit of a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce has never been more top of mind than it is now. As a powerful advocate for people with disabilities and their families, Easterseals is working to ensure that disability is included within DE&I conversations happening with employers nationwide. No such conversations or considerations are even remotely complete without including people with disabilities.
As we’re beginning to recover from this past year, our country must now place far greater value on adults with disabilities in the workforce. Yes, it is the right thing to do. And yes, there is an undeniable business case to be made.
A recent study by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) indicates that working-age people with disabilities have approximately $21 billion in discretionary income. This money is waiting on the table, ready for the taking by the brands who get it right.
As consumers, we rarely see disability included in the advertisements, corporate storytelling, or brand messages across our screens or in stores. But for those companies who authentically include disability – in product offerings and design, hiring practices and advertising campaigns – consumers pay attention with their pocketbooks. Companies who embrace disability will be the first to say that these inclusive decisions make for smart business, increasing the bottom line and improving customer loyalty.
Are you curious about this topic? Want to explore it more? I certainly do!
Plan to join Easterseals and Marlee Matlin, Academy-Award Winning actor and disability advocate, alongside PRWeek for an incredible conversation on Tuesday, June 1 – The Marketing Power of Disability. Learn more here.
During this special virtual event, we will drill deeply into how the communications industry – and all the brands it counsels – can more effectively include this extensive population through content and campaigns, but also tap into this incredible pool of talent to bolster corporate DE&I efforts.
AGENDA
· 12:02pm ET-12:30pm ET: Fighting Fears, Suppressing Stigmas
· 12:32pm ET-12:58pm ET: A workplace that works for everyone
· 1pm ET-1:30pm ET: Featured chat with Marlee Matlin
· 1:32pm ET-1:58pm ET: The keys to inclusive content
FEATURING
· Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-winning actress and advocate
· Angela F. Williams, president and CEO, Easterseals
· More speakers to be announced…
February 24th, 2023 at 2:52 am
We used to track inactivity as the leisure time of workers or devices. But why not use inactivity monitoring in terms of personal safety? A modern person, regardless of age, starts the day with the smartphone and goes to bed with it (OK, that’s not a healthy habit, but raise your hand if you don’t)
If we set an inactivity time and an app sends us an alert when the phone isn’t used for longer, that will be a timely sign of your loved one requiring help. So I think, when choosing a personal safety app for one we really care about, inactivity monitoring is a necessary feature.
December 27th, 2022 at 8:14 am
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted businesses, both large and small. Organizations have had to adjust their operations to prevent the virus’s spread and protect their employees. Businesses sometimes have had to close their doors due to the pandemic. However, there have also been many positive developments since COVID-19 began to spread. For example, more people have been encouraged to get vaccinated, and companies have been able to use the pandemic
December 20th, 2022 at 12:55 am
According to a recent study by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), working-age people with disabilities have a lot of money to spend. With an estimated $21 billion in discretionary income, these individuals are ready and willing to spend their money on the brands who get it right. If your company is looking to capitalize on this market, now is the time to start planning your strategy.
December 20th, 2022 at 12:55 am
According to a recent study by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), working-age people with disabilities have an excess of $21 billion in discretionary income that is waiting to be tapped into by companies who are able to understand and cater to their needs. If companies can successfully capitalize on this untapped market, they could see a significant increase in profits.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:08 am
They would be a great ambassador for Persons with disability. I wish you the success of this event.