Valuable 500

We're thrilled to announce our partnership with Nikkei and The Nippon Foundation for SYNC25, the world's first Accountability Summit on Disability Inclusion! As we continue our mission to end disability exclusion, SYNC25 marks a pivotal moment and the start of a decade of accountability for our companies. Save the Date: 3-4 December 2025 Location: Tokyo SYNC25 will be a hybrid event, ensuring accessibility for all. Stay tuned for more details on sponsorship and registration! For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/dvScsr82 Japanese translation: 世界初の障害者インクルージョンに関するアカウンタビリティ・サミットとなるSYNC25に向けた、日経新聞社および日本財団とのパートナーシップを発表できることを大変嬉しく思います！ 障害者排除を終わらせるという私たちのミッションを続けるにあたり、SYNC25は大きな節目であり、Valuable 500参加企業にとってアカウンタビリティの10年の始まりです。これは単なるイベントではなく、真の影響力のある変化へのコミットメントです。 開催日：2025年12月3日〜4日 場所：東京 SYNC25はアクセシブルなハイブリッドイベントとして開催されます。協賛や登録に関する詳細については、後日お知らせいたします。 詳しくは以下をご覧ください：https://lnkd.in/dvScsr82 #SYNC25 #DisabilityInclusion #AccountabilitySummit

Here are 5 books by disabled POC you should be adding to your reading lists: Each of these books offers a unique and powerful perspective that can really help us understand experiences of disability through an intersectional lens. 1. Crip Kinship by Shayda Kafai Talks about the power of community and mutual care with this insightful exploration of disability justice. Shayda Kafai's "Crip Kinship" beautifully illustrates how disabled communities thrive through collective support and love. 2. Autistic and Black by Kala Allen Omeiza Provides a profound look into the intersectionality of being Autistic and Black, challenging stereotypes and offering a powerful narrative on identity and acceptance. 3. Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong These personal essays and stories by disabled people, provide a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, urging readers to see disability in a new light. 4. Black, Brilliant, and Dyslexic by Marcia Brissett-Bailey BSc, PG Dip (QCG), MA,IPSEA Marcia Brissett-Bailey's "Black, Brilliant, and Dyslexic" celebrates the brilliance of dyslexic minds while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Black dyslexic individuals. An inspiring read that redefines what it means to be brilliant. 5. Disability Intimacy by Alice Wong Alice Wong's "Disability Intimacy" delves into the nuanced experiences of intimacy, relationships, and sexuality within the disabled community. #DisabledAndProud #POCAuthors #InclusiveReads

The latest from Apple highlights the incredible power of accessibility in sports. This film showcases athletes pushing boundaries, all with the help of Apple’s innovative accessibility features. From Assistive Touch to their Point and Speak tools. Apple is making it easier for everyone to stay active and achieve their goals. Creating an Audio-Described version showcases the impact of embedding accessibility in not just products but also advertising and its audiences. It is an incredible example of Representation. Full Audio Described version: https://lnkd.in/e7kKUzTx Find out more about their tools and for a transcript: https://lnkd.in/gv9wC_hu

Are you disabled and/or neurodivergent and an entrepreneur in tech?   CREO is a new mentoring programme from Tech Nation offering industry expert-led workshops and content, peer-to-peer support, coaching sessions, and access to funding opportunities.   With an advisory board featuring Valuable 500 friends, Dr Shani Dhanda, Martyn Sibley from Purple Goat Agency, Christine Hemphill from Open Inclusion, Simon Minty and more, this opportunity is not to be missed.   Applications close 19th August.

Disabled people are often excluded from play from a young age. The joy of inclusion is missing from toys that represent you, to video games you can play. Despite progress, the numbers are clear: "A staggering 84% of 1000 surveyed individuals don’t feel frequently or appropriately represented in advertising and product design, while 98% believe their experiences aren’t consistently and accurately depicted in media and marketing." The latest piece for MediaCat Magazine explores the work companies are doing to change the game, including Valuable 500 companies Sony and Microsoft https://lnkd.in/eBRCZmkq #DisabilityRepresentation #AccessibleDesign

Disability inclusion is a crucial yet often overlooked part of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Katy Talikowska recently spoke with Natasha Rainey for the All Inclusive Podcast. Together, they discussed the origins of the Valuable 500 movement, the strategies used to overcome early challenges, and the real-world impact of their efforts. Katy shared the future goals of the Valuable 500 and how companies can get involved. https://lnkd.in/enabqTuz

As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, it's crucial to remember that disability inclusion extends beyond just one month. For many disabled individuals, this month serves as a reminder of the progress still needed. In our recent webinar on Accessible Advertising, Dr Shani Dhanda, alongside Matt Thomas and Henrietta Corley, emphasised, “It's Disability Pride Month, but it's really hard to feel proud of an identity when we are still fighting for representation. And just to put this into a bit of context, we know that 17% of the world experience disability, yet various reports suggest that globally disabled people feature in less than 2% of global ads.” Disability Pride emerges when individuals see themselves represented in the world around them, including advertising. Catch the full webinar here: https://lnkd.in/epCy4Ftk

L'Oréal is leading the way in disability inclusion in the beauty industry! Key highlights from our recent case study: - The #BreakTheSilence campaign encourages employees to disclose disabilities, creating a more inclusive workplace. - Internal initiatives like the Beauty of Inclusion Awards are driving creativity in developing inclusive projects. - The proportion of L’Oréal employees in France who have disclosed their disability increased from 4.33% in 2010 to 6% in 2023 As part of their broader work to make beauty inclusive and accessible to all, Lancôme (a L’Oréal brand) created HAPTA - the world’s first motion-stabilising makeup application device. This groundbreaking beauty tech is already making waves: - Named one of TIME's Best Inventions 2023. - Generated 7 billion impressions in its launch campaign. - Spotlights real women from the disabled community. Full case study: https://lnkd.in/d-3f5_tD [Image description: Para-athlete Veronica Yoko Plebani demonstrates Lancôme’s HAPTA device with adaptive strap and innovative “self-leveling” technology.] #InclusiveBeauty #Accessibility #Innovation

Introducing Generation Valuable open to all! We are excited to announce that Generation Valuable is now open to all large companies, not just Valuable 500 partners and companies. This change reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the valuable feedback we received from the community. What is Generation Valuable? A mentoring scheme for C-Suite leaders and colleagues with lived experience of disability supporting businesses in ending disability exclusion. More information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gAtD8DGS Criteria: - Your company must meet our private sector criteria and employ at least 1,000 employees.  - For those looking to join the first cohort, please ensure your registration form is submitted by August 16th, we have limited spaces. Opportunities to join cohorts 2 and 3 will remain open. To be part of the mentoring programme and pre-register, please fill out this form: https://lnkd.in/gs6VcTr3 Interested in learning more before you decide? Speak to a member of the Valuable 500 Gen V team at - generationvaluable@thevaluable500.com Don't miss out on this transformative experience!  #GenerationValuable #MentoringProgramme #InclusiveLeadership Our training providers and company supporters: Moving Ahead, D2L, and Verizon.

Zalando is leading the way in inclusive fashion by combining adaptive clothing and digital accessibility, creating a shopping experience that promotes style and accessibility for all. Offering around 300 adaptive fashion styles that cater to disabled customers, Zalando is inspiring other brands and highlighting the market's economic potential. In 2024, they plan to expand their adaptive products and improve digital accessibility, aiming to balance functionality and fashion. What are Zalando doing? · Continuous training for product development teams on digital accessibility. · Using machine learning to create detailed product descriptions for visually impaired customers. · Actively seeking feedback from disabled users to improve website accessibility features iteratively. · Informing the fashion industry and integrating adaptive wear into local markets. · Collaborating with Ottobock and All is for All for insights and feedback, and including high-profile adaptive clothing lines like Tommy Adaptive by Tommy Hilfiger to expand their range. Full case study: https://lnkd.in/dajvzuq4 #DisabilityPrideMonth [Image description: Text on the left: Zalando's journey in adaptive fashion and digital accessibility. Photo on the right features a woman holding a shirt on a mannequin that has velcro patches up the back to make it easier to use.]