Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace and highlights the importance of creating inclusive, accessible environments where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

At UCSF, NDEAM is an opportunity to recognize the talents, perspectives and lived experiences of colleagues with disabilities while renewing our year-round commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Supporting disability inclusion at work

Everyone at UCSF has a role to play in creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. Here are some ways employees and managers can help:

• Lead with respect. Recognize each colleague as an individual and avoid making assumptions about a person's abilities, needs or experiences.
• Consider accessibility from the start. Build accessibility into meetings, communications, events, technology and other aspects of the employee experience rather than treating it as an afterthought.
• Know where to find accommodation support. UCSF Disability Management Services (DMS) assists employees with disabilities and medical conditions in obtaining workplace supports and reasonable accommodations.
• Make room for different ways of working. People may communicate, process information, navigate their environment or accomplish their work differently.
• Listen and learn. Be open to feedback about accessibility and barriers, and look for opportunities to improve practices and processes.
• Challenge assumptions and stereotypes. Recognize disability as part of human diversity and focus on colleagues' skills, expertise and contributions.

What to keep in mind

• Disability experiences vary: Disabilities may be apparent or non-apparent, and people's identities, experiences and access needs are different.
• Accessibility can expand opportunity: Inclusive practices can remove unnecessary barriers and help UCSF recruit, retain and develop talented employees.
• Accessibility can benefit everyone: Clear communications, accessible technology and flexible ways to participate can improve the workplace experience for people with a wide range of needs.
• Representation brings valuable perspectives: Colleagues with disabilities contribute experiences and insights that can strengthen how we work together and serve our communities.

NDEAM provides an annual opportunity to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities, but creating an accessible and inclusive workplace is a year-round effort. By continuing to listen, learn and identify barriers, we can help build a UCSF where colleagues of all abilities have the opportunity to contribute, grow and thrive.

UCSF resources and support

UCSF offers several resources for employees, learners and others seeking disability-related support and information:

• Disability Management Services (DMS) supports UCSF staff, faculty, residents, fellows, postdoctoral scholars and student employees with disabilities, including assistance with workplace supports and reasonable accommodations.
• Student Disability Services (SDS) supports UCSF students with disabilities and helps ensure equitable access to the university experience.
• Office of Disability Access and Inclusion and the Disability Resource Center provide accessibility resources, education, programming and opportunities to engage with disability identity, culture and community.