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Disability is the ability to do things differently with innovation

01/27/2021

Disability is the ability to do things differently with innovation, compassion, and inclusion.

In an interactive online session of “Chat with Nish” on January 27th, 2021, Tinamarie Duff of Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) shared her experience and vision for disability inclusion in the workplace with Nish Parikh, Rangam CEO.

Tinamarie Duff is the Global Lead of People and Business Resource Group for DAWN (Differently-Abled Workplace Network) at BMS, which holds a mission to foster an environment and workplace culture that promotes the value of individuals with disabilities.

She works closely with differently abled people to bring innovation, ideas, and inspiration to the workplace. "Job is not a charity," Tinamarie said, “the focus is to increase the talent pool of differently abled people. They need a voice and place to tell their stories.” Diversity is well-defined by diverse business functions, scientific discoveries, ideas, and countries. The term is no longer limited to race, gender, and cultural diversities. “People with autism, neurodiversities, and disabilities are successful for the same reason as non-disabled people are," she mentioned while focusing on attributes like passion, and innovation.

“They are even more innovative and unique as they can think differently,” she added. “Improving and increasing the capability of individuals with autism, neurodiversities, and disabilities helps execute global level business strategies at the local level. The most critical factor to drive growth is active engagement,” she emphasized. Leaders are the best advocates of diversity and inclusion as they educate, inform, and inspire.

During the pandemic, we all have learned to be more compassionate, empathetic, and innovative. 70 percent of the disability community want to work, but they are not getting the opportunity. With work from home, differently abled candidates will get more employment opportunities. Companies must tap into this untapped talent pool to drive innovation.

“You don’t need to be an expert; you need to be a student to learn, improve, and grow in everyday life,” Tinamarie said, adding that continuous learning adds more wisdom to life and business. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, Nish chats with thought leaders about how they are contributing to empathy in the workplace, employment for everyone, and innovation.

These 30-minute conversations are meant to explore the incredible contributions being made through empathy that are shaping a new way to work for all. Join us every Wednesday to spread innovative thoughts, compassion, and empathy!

Our websites:

https://www.rangam.com/

https://www.sourceabled.com/

Contact us at sourceabled@rangam.com