The Social Model of disability identifies the societal and physical barriers faced by people with impairments, as opposed to the medical or charitable models, which centre the challenges on the Disabled person. By utilising the social model, we can identify the barriers within our organisations and workplaces and work to make spaces accessible and inclusive to all. In doing so, we are able to increase productivity and utilise talents which we may hitherto have overlooked.

1 in 5 individuals of working age in the UK have impairments or a long-term health condition. According to the latest available data from the Office of National Statistics, only around half of Disabled people (52.1%) aged 16 to 64 years in the UK were employed during the period studied, compared with around 8 in 10 (81.3%) of non-disabled people, resulting in a 28% gap in the employment rate of working age between the two. There is also a wage gap, with Disabled people earning on average 15% less per year than their non-disabled peers. The Government’s National Disability Strategy aims to bridge the gap in education, skills, and employment for people with impairments, using a cross-departmental approach to deliver holistic and meaningful change.

This timely conference will examine the key barriers facing people with impairments in the workplace, and how those barriers can be recognised and removed. Through a series of keynotes from policy makers and key stakeholders, as well as case studies giving practical examples of innovation and improvement, the conference will cover the most pertinent issues currently being faced by Disabled people in the workplace. Through a better understanding of the Social Model of disability, organisations will be able to increase productivity by supporting a more diverse workforce.