Oliver Sacks, the neurologist and writer always believed that persons with disabilities had ... [+]
In the last Mindset Matters column, we explored the idea that transitioning from the maxim “Nothing About Us, Without Us” to “Nothing Without Us” serves as a declarative statement that represents a radical departure in how persons with disabilities perceive themselves, but also how they are seen by the larger society. Corporate culture is at an inflection point and going through critical changes that are making everyone a bit uneasy. From new modalities of work to furthering avenues of competitive advantage, corporate leadership is searching for opportunities at a furious pace. Yet, the solution may lie in this new shifting power dynamic where we can look at disability beyond the traditional tropes of diversity, equity, and inclusion and see how this new sentiment can significantly affect the modern era of business thinking.
“Nothing Without Us” exemplifies a philosophy that prescribes to the idea that the disability narrative is a powerful influence on society's future as it pertains to economic growth and the vitality of business itself. In an era where creative thinking is becoming more valued, leaning on the lived experience of disability which is synonymous with creativity and innovative thought is an essential tool for any business. “Nothing Without Us” helps to reclaim disability as a conceptual idea that emphasizes a new definition of power and acknowledges that differences offer a contemporary set of tools that leaders can utilize in their daily business practice.
When one utters the words “Nothing Without Us” this isn’t just a clarion call for greater civil rights or fighting against discrimination, but rather these words represent a new era that offers a conduit for society to recognize that the disability community and their lived experience play an essential role in designing the very future of the culture we inhabit. As the eminent neurologist and writer, Oliver Sacks once wrote “I wish for a world that views disability, mental or physical, not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities”.
It can be argued that by viewing disability through this new power dynamic, one can recognize the ability to inspire the world of business in four key areas. The first is economic, or market opportunity. The second, is design, where the lived experience of disability will continue to have a profound effect on how we live, work, and play and offer businesses a new lens of opportunity to develop innovative products and services. Thirdly, accessibility within the digital space. As new technologies evolve, accessibility will become more valued with shifting demographics, an aging population, and more. Finally, the power of the disability narrative can have a throughline from the future of work to scenarios around human capital management, office design, hybrid work, and beyond.
“Nothing Without Us” offers a glimpse into the future where the lived experience of disability becomes a valued resource that leadership needs to harness. Corporate culture must rethink how to approach disability advancing beyond the traditionalist DEI perspective and utilize this narrative as a key disruptor to the future of business thinking. By embracing these opportunities, this can be gleaned both an economic driver and a way to help design a new management template for the work environment of today and tomorrow.
The business ecosystem continues to remain in a fragile state, yet leadership must look toward the power derived from the lived experience of disability and translate this knowledge into tactics that will have significant value in shaping our very understanding of where business needs to be.
