Making the future of work inclusive of people with disabilities

In the context of a rapidly changing world, the future of work is an issue drawing the attention of many individuals and organizations. It is a global concern, posing important challenges that need to be addressed urgently. One such challenge is how to ensure that the future of work is inclusive, leaving no one behind, including the one billion persons with disabilities living on our planet. Inequalities experienced in the world of work by persons with disabilities remain significant and need to be addressed, or the future of work will replicate the past. The good news is that an increasing number of organizations are recognizing disability as a source of diversity, talent and innovation. Companies have greater opportunities than ever before to bring in persons with disabilities, as customers and clients, but also as employees and managers and thereby gain a competitive advantage. For persons with disabilities, decent work means they can be empowered to lead more independent lives and contribute to the wellbeing of their families, communities and societies at large, building together a more inclusive economy.The future of work is still to be shaped, and we can all influence it to some extent. Driven by this idea and aware of the urgency to take action, the ILO Global Business and Disability Network and Fundacion ONCE have developed this publication. This is a first exercise to connect different areas of debate, looking at the key trends of the future of work from a disability perspective and seeking to identify specific action needed in order to shape the future of work in a more disability-inclusive way. This publication aims to contribute to the visibility of persons with disabilities in the debates about the future of work. It should also provide elements to ensure that the professionals who are committed to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities have a better understanding of how to constantly adapt their own work.