Newsweek: These Organizations Value Contributions From Employees With Disabilities (ft. Ron Padrón)
UMD earns top honors for disability inclusion, with INFO's Ron Padrón leading efforts in diversity awareness
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces for People with Disabilities” list recognizes organizations excelling in disability inclusion, including the University of Maryland (UMD) with a top five-star rating. A follow up article by Newsweek writer Lauren Giella dives into how these organizations create a positive workplace for people with disabilities. Gielle reports that the U.S. Department of Labor reports that companies focused on disability inclusion often see higher financial success.
UMD’s Ron Padrón, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the College of Information (INFO), is featured in the article, emphasizing that disabilities come in varied forms and affect people in unexpected ways, from visible conditions to temporary or invisible challenges. Drawing on his own experiences, Padrón advocates for workplaces that foster empathy and flexibility, as anyone could face a disability in their lifetime. UMD’s initiatives, led by Padrón and Vice President Georgina Dodge, underscore a commitment to inclusivity and the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. To read more about UMD’s efforts and Padrón’s insights, check out the full Newseek article.
The original article was written by Lauren Giella and published by Newsweek on October 21, 2024.