Deloitte’s global approach to disability inclusion is built upon the ‘social model’ in that people are disabled by the social and physical environment around them. We are thus focused on providing a workplace environment in which our people can thrive.
At Deloitte, disability inclusion means providing tools and resources to help enable our people to reach their full career potential. It also means educating colleagues on disability inclusion and providing resources for matters such as returning to work. Deloitte Global has produced a range of resources for Deloitte firms including guidance on accessibility and workplace accommodations as well as educational and awareness-raising materials such as conversation guides, e-learnings, and storytelling resources.
In January 2019, Deloitte became a Deloitte became a signatory to the Valuable 500, signaling our global commitment and leadership focus when it comes to disability inclusion.
In 2023, Deloitte proudly signed the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Global Business and Disability Network Charter which provides a comprehensive framework to help organizations achieve business success while simultaneously creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Deloitte Global is focused on actions across the career life cycle—from hiring, workplace culture and environment and to career development—that are aligned to the 10 principles within this charter.
While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)’s definition of persons with disabilities includes neurodiverse variations such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD, feedback from neurodiverse colleagues tells us that they often do not self-identify as disabled. As such, Deloitte’s global diversity, equity and inclusion strategy differentiates between disability and neurodiversity inclusion.
Deloitte Malaysia partner, Matt Leong, shares his personal story of adapting to life with a disability. This is part of Deloitte’s “Can you hear me, do you see me?” series highlighting the experiences of our people.
"...a lot of the time, I think I must be invisible. And when people do see me, all they see is the chair."
In April 2022, Deloitte and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a decade-long, five-Games “partnership with purpose” through 2032 which will see Deloitte serve as a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner. This partnership leverages Deloitte’s considerable business acumen to help the Paralympic games realize the possibilities of its strategic plan for the future, transforming attitudes towards persons with disabilities and driving social inclusion. Learn more about the partnership here.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “The Paralympic Games are the biggest showcase of persons with disabilities on the world stage. Having worked with Deloitte for several years now, the IPC is enthusiastic to explore with Deloitte how its expertise and wide range of services can benefit the wider Paralympic Movement. Together we can use Para sport as a tool to empower people, change attitudes towards disability and create greater opportunities for the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities.”
While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)’s definition of persons with disabilities includes neurodiverse variations such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD, feedback from neurodiverse colleagues tells us that they often do not self-identify as disabled. As such, Deloitte’s global diversity, equity and inclusion strategy differentiates between disability inclusion and neurodiversity.