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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

  • “We engaged Deb to provide consulting support for our HR team inclusive of a variety of diversity and inclusion topics and events. Deb continues to be responsive to our needs, consistently offering helpful and practical tools and resources. One program that we are particularly proud of at Northrop Grumman, as an early adopter, is Deb’s disability ally ‘VOICE’ presentation. We videotaped Deb’s presentation, and it was webcasted across the enterprise to foster inclusion for people with disabilities, and enhance the likelihood that people with disabilities will self-identify and ask for accommodations if needed. I appreciated this innovative approach which draws on lessons learned from successful LGBT inclusion strategies.”

    Sylvester Mendoza, Director of Global Inclusion & Strategic Alliances Northrop Grumman