Home / The VOICE® Program

 

Kokopelli with walking stickThe purpose of the VOICE Program is to encourage colleagues of people with disabilities (PwD) to identify themselves as allies. These allies then work toward creating work environments that are more welcoming, inclusive and supportive.

VOICES Program - Kokopelli with walking stick, thought bubbleWatch the Prezi that’s winning hearts and minds as it makes the compelling business case for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.

When people with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities can make their voices heard and contribute to their highest potential, employers benefit, too.

When Deb was the Chief Diversity Officer at Merck, she worked closely with the Employee Resource Group for colleagues with disabilities and their allies. The group conceived the VOICE acronym in 2008, which stands for:

Value perceptions
Obtain perspective
Inspire trust
Challenge conventional thinking
Encourage accommodation requests

The VOICE program can be integrated into any workplace. It consists of four pillars:

  • Inclusive Communication
  • Workplace Accommodation
  • Training and Education
  • Regulatory Compliance.

Find other products that can help you apply structure to your diversity policies and boost inclusion initiatives. Go >

Get a closer look at the VOICE program tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

What they're saying

  • “Deb Dagit not only transformed Merck when it comes to diversity and inclusion—she transformed the field. She was as fierce an advocate for the diversity issues she had experienced personally as she was for the diversity and inclusion of others. Somehow she did so in such an affirming way that even as she was kicking butt, her audiences would thank her for it.”

    Andres Tapia, Global Practice Leader, Workforce Performance, Inclusion and Diversity Korn Ferry/Hay Group