Representation really matters

by Leandro Camilo, PwC Global Disability Inclusion Leader

Determined, passionate, hardworking, intelligent, courageous, confident, intentional. What kind of person comes to mind when you think of these characteristics? Is it a person with a disability?

If your answer is “no”, you should think again. Consider the barriers that people with disabilities face in society and workplaces worldwide and how determined they must be to overcome them. Unfortunately, entrenched societal stigma and harmful misconceptions regarding the ability and capability of people with disabilities are just some of the many challenges that can limit their access to equal workplace opportunities.

You may also be surprised to hear that of the eight billion people on the planet, more than one billion are living with a disability. That includes people with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities. Yet only three in ten people with disabilities are active in the labour force. It’s clear there’s much work still to be done to improve workforce representation and inclusion.

Supporting the goals of IDPD

In light of this, try asking yourself something else: is your organisation pulling its full weight in disability inclusion? Today, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), is a good day to confront this question. Celebrated annually, IDPD is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities so they can participate fully, equally and effectively, facing no barriers in all aspects of their lives.

At PwC, it’s our deeply held belief that inclusion of all talent and abilities is essential for a thriving, innovative, and equitable workplace. And that one of the most effective ways to combat these challenges is by sharing the stories of role models with disabilities.

We regard this role-modelling as a vital ingredient in advancing a culture of disability awareness and inclusion. Why? Because it achieves two things at once. First, it helps people with disabilities to see their potential. And second, equally importantly, it helps everyone else in the workforce learn to focus on ability, not disability, and develop more inclusive perspectives and actions.

Representation matters: celebrating PwC’s Paralympians

A further factor to take into account is that, when it comes to disability inclusion, representation really matters. Take the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which set new records for viewership and coverage. It was the most-watched and most streamed Paralympic Games in history showcasing the fantastic abilities of people with disabilities.

Here at PwC, we’re building on those achievements by sharing the amazing stories of Paralympians as part of our IDPD activities this year. And these world-class athletes include Paralympians from across the PwC Network, who’ve proven their ability to thrive and excel in a high-performance culture in both the corporate world and top-level sport.

Who are these outstanding individuals? One is Erika Yoshida, a member of PwC Japan's dual career programme. Established in 2010, this programme helps people with disabilities feel supported and empowered in their sporting endeavours – while also building professional skills and a career that will serve them long after their sporting days are over. Erika has had the honour of participating in the Paralympics as captain of the Japanese Wheelchair Basketball team in Beijing, and more recently in Paris as a team coach.

Another featured role model is Xiaomei Wang, gold medallist and world record-breaking cyclist from the 2024 Paralympics. Xiaomei is a member of PwC China’s Para-Athletes programme, which was established to support people with disabilities in pursuing their athletic aspirations.  

Xiaomei is one of many athletes engaged in the programme serving as a PwC Disability Inclusion Ambassador for PwC China. This role involves her active participation in local Disability Inclusion strategy and events, where Xiaomei acts as a role model to strengthen awareness of the disability agenda with PwC China’s people, clients and wider society. Xiaomei’s remarkable achievements on the cycling track at the 2024 Paralympics were mirrored by several professional milestones, including delivering a keynote speech at the capstone event of PwC China’s Inclusive Career Discovery Programme.  

By contrast, Ross Wilson had already become a qualified accountant before realising his passion for cycling and competing internationally for Canada. A two-time Paralympian, former world record holder and former world champion, Ross has been able to take a lot from his professional career to add value to competing as a cyclist – and also translate what he’s learned in competitive cycling back to his professional career with PwC Canada, particularly around teamwork and the role of team dynamics.

Building an inclusive and equitable workplace

These are just a few of many inspiring stories of our role models with disabilities. By promoting these stories to a wider audience, we can help to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all – one where everyone's value and potential are recognised and celebrated. We’ve achieved a lot since the launch of our Global Disability Inclusion strategy in 2022, and continue to recognise that we have a lot more to do. Which is why we continue to commit to Disability Inclusion today, and every day.

To learn more about the experiences of our Paralympians, and why they identify as determined, passionate, hardworking, intelligent, courageous, confident and intentional please watch our IDPD video below.

You can also find out more about Disability Inclusion at PwC on our Inclusion First website.

_{Source: International Labour Organisation, August 2024 (accessed 27 November 2024)}