With global talent shortages and increased competition for skilled employees, organisations need to look beyond conventional hiring practices to develop an inclusive and resilient workforce. Kate Naess, an independent Paralympian, discusses the unique advantages of hiring individuals with disabilities and how this untapped talent pool can help address organisational skill needs, drive creativity, and contribute to a diverse workforce. This session sheds light on practical ways companies can overcome internal biases, redesign roles, and establish an inclusive culture that values unique abilities and perspectives. Attendees will learn strategies for integrating people with disabilities into their workforce and the business benefits this approach brings.

Workforces around the globe are evolving, and businesses must rethink talent strategies to remain competitive. People with disabilities represent a highly skilled yet often overlooked talent pool. Incorporating this group into workforce plans can address diversity and skills shortages while contributing to an inclusive workplace that drives creativity and broadens organisational capability.

• Benefits of an inclusive workforce strategy

• Overcoming unconscious biases in talent management

• Workforce strategies for hiring people with disabilities

• The impact of diverse abilities on innovation and problem-solving

• Redesigning roles to maximise diverse talents.

• Recognise the business case for hiring people with disabilitiesIdentify common biases that hinder inclusive hiring practices
• Gain strategies to implement a workforce model that values diverse abilities
• Understand how disability inclusion supports workforce resilience and adaptability
• Learn methods for advocating and promoting inclusive hiring practices across teams.