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Disability Inclusion and Accessibility: Advancing Disability Inclusion Through Innovation

Kearney is committed to building a culture where every individual is not only heard but celebrated—creating a safe and empowering environment where all people can fully belong, contribute, and thrive.

This commitment is supported by five strategic pillars: market-leading representation, relentless inclusion, bold champions, world-class networks, and recognized leadership. In 2024 Kearney was recognized as a Top Employer for Disability Inclusion in several countries via the Disability Equality Index conducted by Disability:IN. The firm was represented at two regional Disability:IN conferences, which serve as key platforms for advancing disability inclusion in the workplace. These conferences brought together global business leaders, disability advocates, and subject-matter experts to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices for building inclusive environments. Kearney’s participation reflects its dedication to remaining at the forefront of the global inclusion movement.

Developing an Industry-First Tool for Representation

Aligned with these pillars, Kearney was approached by a global disability inclusion organization dedicated to ending disability exclusion to co-create a tool that promotes representative and inclusive communication. The initiative was launched following a panel at the 2024 World Economic Forum. Kearney swiftly committed to helping conceptualize a self-assessment tool for the organization. Following this, more than five strategic engagements took place to co-develop a set of initiatives aimed at advancing disability representation in media and communications. A key outcome was the development of an ‘Executive Maturity Self-Assessment’—a tool designed to support leadership accountability in authentic disability representation.

Accessible Communication at Kearney

As part of this initiative, Kearney also formalized a set of internal standards and best practices for accessible communication. This included the development of an “Accessibility Overview and Best Practices” guide, techniques for accessible document development, and dedicated support pathways through the firm’s Creative Services team. In collaboration with KNet (Kearney IT) and Creative Services, a firmwide support process was established for converting materials into accessible formats.

This new capability spans a variety of needs—from client deliverables and pro bono work to marketing, recruitment, and internal communications—ensuring consistent, inclusive practices across engagements. Throughout the project, the team applied key accessibility practices, such as creating screen-reader compatible documents, simplifying layouts, prioritizing legibility, using inclusive visuals, and incorporating real-time captioning. Pre-reads and materials were distributed ahead of time to accommodate the diverse access needs of stakeholders. These deliberate adjustments not only facilitated inclusive engagement but also provided essential insights that shaped the project’s success.

Sustaining Awareness Through enAble

Kearney continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing disability inclusion within both the organization and the broader community through the enAble Network—an employee-led resource group dedicated to fostering equity, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals of all abilities. The enAble Network was first pioneered in Kearney’s Johannesburg office and formally launched across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in November 2022. Following its regional success, the network was rolled out globally in 2023 across all Kearney regions. Since its inception, enAble has made a firm commitment to cultivating a culture that supports individuals with visible and invisible disabilities—both within the workplace and in the communities Kearney serves.

The network’s efforts are guided by three strategic pillars: Clients, People, and Community Engagement. These pillars form the foundation for a wide range of initiatives including disability awareness and advocacy training, outreach programs, and strategic client partnerships aimed at improving accessibility and driving systemic change. enAble has experienced significant growth in both membership and allyship, reflecting an increasing organizational commitment to inclusion. Through its focused efforts, the network continues to raise awareness, build understanding, and create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive personally and professionally. Key initiatives include annual outreach days, disability awareness training, and observances such as the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD), which promote awareness and encourage inclusive practices across all levels of the firm.

The value of accessibility extends beyond compliance—it opens access to untapped talent, diverse customer perspectives, and new market opportunities. By institutionalizing inclusive practices, organizations contribute to a more equitable future where disability inclusion is not an exception but the norm.

International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD)

As part of its IDPwD programming, enAble hosted “Voices of Strength”, a fireside conversation with global disability advocates Chaeli Mycroft and Zelda Mycroft. Their personal story, which began with a campaign to fund a wheelchair, has evolved into The Chaeli Campaign—a social justice foundation advocating for children with disabilities in South Africa and around the world.

During the event, Chaeli and Zelda shared critical insights about building inclusive environments. Their reflections emphasized four key lessons: the biggest barrier to inclusion is fear; inclusion must be lived, not just learned; independence does not mean doing everything alone; and small individual actions can generate exponential impact. These lessons serve as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts with simple, intentional acts of empathy and support.