Advancing disability confidence through the collective power of networks
- Share this item Label:
-
-
-
Susan Scott-Parker, founder of Business Disability International and strategic advisor to the International Labour Organization (ILO), joined the Philippine Business and Disability Network (PBDN) in September for two pivotal events that spotlighted the power of collective leadership in advancing disability inclusion.
The first, an Executive Roundtable convening 13 senior leaders from companies including TP in the Philippines and Northern Trust in the Philippines, both Premier Partners of the network. This session marked the launch of a pioneering executive cohort committed to embedding disability confidence across business strategy—from inclusive talent pipelines to welcoming disabled customers and enabling workplace adjustments.
The second gathering, a Networking Meeting hosted by Shell Business Outsourcing, brought together 79 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professionals from 32 member organizations. Participants explored how disability-confident managers can drive innovation and enhance customer and employee experience.
Scott-Parker emphasized that disability confidence is both a business and ethical imperative. “This isn’t just about being nice,” she noted. “It’s about making smart decisions that lead to better outcomes.” Her message reframed inclusion from a compliance checkbox to a strategic advantage, urging leaders to ask: “How do we recruit everyone based on capability and potential?” and “How do we adapt to human reality?”
By leveraging the collective influence of business networks, PBDN is shifting the narrative—from isolated efforts to a unified movement. These events signal a growing momentum in the Philippines: one where disability inclusion is not just a value, but a shared leadership priority.
