Over the past month, we’ve partnered with a large client to run trauma-informed focus groups on disability inclusion. I’ve previously shared our approach to running trauma-informed focus groups but here I share examples of discussion points specifically related to disability inclusion. Kudos to my wonderful client for recognising the importance of conducting DEI focus groups in a trauma-informed manner. And sincere gratitude to the participants who generously and courageously shared their stories.
General Perceptions & Experience
- Describe your overall experience with disability inclusion while working in your organisation.
- How do you view your organisation’s efforts in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion for people with disabilities?
- Share an example—positive or negative—that reflects your organisation’s approach to diversity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Leadership and Culture
- Do you believe your organisation’s leadership and culture support disability inclusion? Why or why not?
- How would you characterize general attitudes toward people with disabilities in your organisation? Are there specific behaviors or interactions that illustrate these attitudes?
- Provide examples that reflect either positive or negative attitudes toward individuals with disabilities.
Manager and Peer Support
- To what extent do your colleagues and managers understand and support the needs of people with disabilities?
- Share examples of positive or negative workplace interactions that demonstrate how well colleagues and managers understand and support disability-related needs.
- What additional training or awareness initiatives are needed to enhance disability inclusion in your organisation?
Empowerment
- How effectively does your organisation support and empower individuals with disabilities to succeed in their roles?
- Provide examples of instances where your organisation was either effective or ineffective in supporting individuals with disabilities.
- If you’ve requested workplace accommodations, what was your experience during the process?
- Do you feel your organisation adequately helps you identify and access supports that meet your needs?
- How inclusive are your organisation’s policies, practices, facilities, and technologies for individuals with disabilities? What improvements are needed?
Belonging
- To what extent do you feel a sense of belonging in your workgroup and your organisation?
- Share examples of behaviors or practices—positive or negative—that influence your sense of belonging.
Representation and Visibility
- Do you feel individuals with disabilities are adequately represented in leadership and across the broader workforce in your organisation?
- How visible are people with disabilities in the workforce, leadership, imagery, and diversity initiatives within your organisation?
- How safe is it to disclose a disability in your organisation? What are the challenges or barriers? Share positive or negative experiences related to disclosure.
Voice & Decision-Making
- Do you feel your voice is heard and valued in meetings and workplace discussions?
- How well does your organisation engage with and listen to individuals with disabilities to improve their inclusion experience?
- Do you feel empowered to voice your needs or concerns as a person with a disability? If not, what holds you back?
- How can your organisation better involve people with disabilities in decision-making processes, particularly for policies and programs affecting them?
Fairness & Discrimination
- Have you noticed or experienced differences in how individuals with disabilities are treated compared to others in similar roles or situations?
- Have you experienced discrimination in your organisation due to your disability?
Talent Management
- How accessible is your organisation’s job application and recruitment process for individuals with disabilities?
- Do you find job descriptions, interviews, and selection processes inclusive and fair to all applicants?
- Reflect on your hiring process: was it accessible, fair, and unbiased? What stood out?
- How fair do you find the performance appraisal process concerning disability inclusion? Have your evaluations ever been influenced by your disability? Share examples.
- Are there equal opportunities for professional development and advancement for all employees, regardless of disability?
- Have you faced barriers to career progression that you believe are related to your disability?
- Are specific development programs or training opportunities inclusive or exclusive of individuals with disabilities?
Access to Flexible Working
- Are flexible working arrangements supportive of individuals with disabilities?
Harmful Behaviors
- Are you aware of instances of bullying, harassment, or other harmful conduct toward individuals with disabilities? How common or rare are such behaviors?
- Are you familiar with the grievance process for addressing disability discrimination or harassment?
Safety and Comfort in Speaking Up
- Do you feel safe and comfortable raising concerns about accessibility or disability-related issues with managers, leadership, or HR?
- How confident are you that your concerns will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately?
- How effectively does your organisation resolve disability-related concerns?
Feedback on Programs and Initiatives
- Are there specific diversity and inclusion programs that have been particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities?
- What is the most significant change your organisation could make to improve inclusion for individuals with disabilities?
Open-Ended
- Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with disability inclusion and fairness in the workplace?