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Closing the Employment Gap – How Local Companies Are Missing Out on Disability Inclusion

Miami is known for its booming economy, vibrant culture, and diverse workforce, but there’s a silent issue plaguing many of its businesses: the failure to embrace disability inclusion. Professionals with disabilities represent an untapped talent pool that local companies continue to overlook, leaving these businesses at a competitive disadvantage. This oversight not only highlights a lack of inclusivity but also signifies an economic missed opportunity. However, Miami could lead the way in disability inclusion in the future. In Miami-Dade County, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities stands at 15.6%, affecting nearly 9,775 individuals ​(Florida Chamber of Commerce). Compare that with the general population, where employment rates are far higher, and a stark disparity emerges. What this means for Miami, a city known for breaking boundaries, is that we are missing out on a large pool of untapped talent—professionals whose skills could drive innovation and diversity in our economy. The Untapped Potential of Blind Professionals Blind, visually impaired as well as other professionals with disabilities offer unique perspectives that can lead to breakthrough solutions in the workplace. Studies have shown that diverse teams, including those with individuals who have disabilities, tend to outperform their peers. A report by Accenture in partnership with Disability-In and The American Foundation for the Blind found that companies with inclusive hiring practices experienced a 28% increase in revenue and doubled their net income compared to their competitors. Yet, despite this compelling business case, blind professionals remain underrepresented. Nationally, while 70% of the general population is employed, only 44% of working-age blind adults have jobs​. Miami, in particular, lags in this area, and addressing this gap is not only a matter of equity but also of economic strategy. Why Miami Is Poised to Lead As the Magic City continues to grow as a hub for tech, finance, and tourism, now is the time for local businesses to step up and embrace the talents of people with disabilities. Miami’s commitment to diversity positions the city to become a leader in disability inclusion, setting an example for other metropolitan areas. But what will it take to bridge this employment gap? First, we must challenge outdated misconceptions about the productivity and capabilities of blind professionals. One persistent myth is that hiring people with disabilities is costly. However, research from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) reveals that the average one-time cost of accommodations is just $500 ​as per the study. In many cases, no accommodations are required at all, and when they are, they often lead to higher productivity and retention, benefiting the entire workforce. Real-World Success Stories Several global companies have already paved the way, proving that hiring blind professionals is not only feasible but advantageous. Microsoft, for example, has developed accessibility tools that allow blind employees to work more efficiently, contributing to the company’s broader innovation goals​ (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Amazon has also been a leader in this space, partnering with the American Foundation for the Blind to implement features like screen readers and voice-activated shopping assistants that benefit both employees and customers​. The Miami Business Community: A Call to Action For Miami to fully capitalize on the talent of blind professionals, local businesses must take proactive steps. Dr. Kirk Adams, a leading advocate for the inclusion of professionals with disabilities and former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, has emphasized that businesses have much to gain from employing individuals with disabilities. His research highlights the tangible benefits, including enhanced innovation and problem-solving capabilities, that blind professionals bring to the table​. “The integration of professionals with disabilities into the workforce is not just a matter of social good—it’s a business imperative. These individuals bring diverse perspectives that can catalyze innovation and drive significant organizational change”. So, how can Miami’s businesses make these changes? The first step is education. Dr. Kirk Adams suggests that leaders need to invest in training programs for management and human resources teams to reduce bias and improve understanding of disability inclusion. Miami, with its thriving business community, can benefit from forming partnerships with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind and local advocacy groups. These collaborations will provide invaluable resources and expertise on accessible hiring practices​. Building an Inclusive Workforce in Miami Creating an inclusive workforce requires more than just compliance with legal mandates. It involves fostering a corporate culture where diversity is celebrated, and all employees feel valued for their contributions. Local businesses can lead this movement by offering accessible technology and flexible working arrangements. Not only does this create a more inclusive environment for blind professionals, but it also improves the overall workplace culture, enhancing job satisfaction for everyone. In a city as dynamic as Miami, where creativity and diversity fuel our economic engine, there is no reason why individuals with disabilities should remain on the sidelines. The data is clear: inclusive workplaces are more innovative, productive, and financially successful. It’s time for Miami’s business leaders to harness the potential of blind professionals and make our city a national leader in disability inclusion. A Roadmap for the Future Miami stands at a crossroads. We can either continue to allow outdated perceptions to hold us back, or we can embrace the future by recognizing the value that blind and visually impaired professionals bring to the workforce. The path to inclusion may require some initial investment, but the rewards—both economic and social—are undeniable. Miami can lead the way, showing the world that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but the keys to our continued success.

Editor's Picks, The Issue

Summer Glow: Beauty Editor’s Picks

BOSCIA TSUBAKI BEAUTY OIL. This oil provides some serious hydration and protection against radicals thanks to an anti-aging botanical blend. It leaves your skin so soft.       DIOR SKIN FOREVER COMPACT POWDER. This foundation powder provides sun protection and a beautiful flawless finish, not heavy on the skin, it lasts all day, it’s a must have.     LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA. Mascara perfect for that false eyelash look, gives great volume and doesn’t flake.         GIVENCHY TEINT COUTURE LONG WEARING FOUNDATION with SPF 20 This is a light weight medium coverage foundation, that gives you a beautiful dewy finish, perfect for that summer healthy skin look, lasts all day and smells amazing, definitely a staple in our makeup bag. For those stubborn under eye circles , we absolutely love IT COSMETICS FULL COVERAGE CONCEALER. It’s full coverage with a dewy finish which lasts through humidity and is good for your skin, perfect for those of you who are to lazy to remove their make up before bed – you know who you are.     NAPOLEON PERDIS THE ONE CONCEALER. Is a peachy under tone corrector / concealer, great for those stubborn under eye circles, comes in only one shade, great for all skin.         LIP FUSION INFATUATION LIPGLOSS . Feels amazing on the lips, especially with these 3 great shades, perfect for any skin tone. Crush, Angelic and Kiss.       Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.  

Editor's Picks

Beauty Editor Picks

Soft dewy skin is a must and hydration is the key to keeping it firm and deliciously ethereal. Hydration and oil are two different things and many equate moisture to breakouts and oil slicks. The key is quenching the upper layers of the skin with nutrients and hydration Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to give you that radiant luminescence. It’ll also help push out invasive aggressors like toxins and restore your natural luminosity. We recommend you guzzle down eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day and add boosters to your hydration like Camu Camu or B12 complexes in order to optimize your body’s regenerative abilities. FOR BOLD SEXY EYES, WE LIKE…  Eyeko London’s EYE DO liquid liner. You won’t find a deeper black than this award winning precision marker with its smooth handling and lash enhancing properties. Stay as close to the lash- line to create that subtle look. Go bolder for a dramatic cat-eye look. FOR  AMAZING BROWS  Longer thicker brows are usually associated with youth. Fuller brows have made a comeback and you need not look further to the first family of reality television to see how an aptly constructed brow (and fabulous contouring) keeps the eyes lingering. The secret is to recreate the look as in your baby pic- tures. Fill in the brows in a way that resembles your past self. Define and blend with a spoolie, brush to subtly enhance. When in doubt- don’t pluck. It’ll take time but it took you years of over plucking to get here, many underestimate the power of an arch built from the top. We Like…Anastasia Beverly Hills – BROW GENIUS is incredibly smart. Get natural looking, beautifully bold brows by swiping their clear waterproofing gel & BROW GENIUS LOOSE POWDER along the gaps on your arch. Blend and fight off the suitors.   FOR AN INVITING SEDUCTIVE SCENT… The key is quality ingredients. You’d be surprised how well the spicy bite of tobacco leaves intermin- gles with amber resin or myrrh. The scent should be alluring-not imposing. Spring time balances, earthy musks with citrus or herby finishes.One of our favorites… SACRED WOOD by Kilian The earthy scents of this fragrance reminds us of nature. Sacred Wood works harmoniously well with virtually everyone. Best part of all, it’s unisex.     FOR SEDUCTIVE HAIR… Spring is synonymous for lush ladylike locks. Soft tousled waves sculpt and enhance your sexiness by giving the face dimension and softening your silhouette. Again, hydration is the key and polished volume is achievable by saturating your hair with nutrients and protection to ward off frizz. Quench your parched mane by conditioning your ends daily and using targeted products to give you that extra protection.       We Recommend… technology that reduces styling time and allows larger sections to be styled. ghd eclipse the latest addition to its roster of intuitive thermal stylers. It not only smooths out the frizz to create sleek poker- straight looks but has the ability to create loose flowy waves with its tri-zone For that glamerous hollywood look spray on your favorite thermal protector, glide through tresses and twirl for seductive sexy waves. Be sure to hold the waves in place and let them cool before applying your favorite products and flipping around that sexy volume.     FOR A FLAWLESS TO DIE FOR SKIN, WE RECOMMEND… Urban Decay Naked skin weightless ultra definition foundation. This foundation is weightless and virtually invisible. It creates the luminous but demi-matte finish we love. As an everyday foundation , this product helps you achieve a natural illuminated finish. It comes in a great range of shades and the coverage is buildable. Urban Decay Naked Skin BB Broad Spectrum spf 20. Blur flaws in seconds with this five in one beauty balm that minimizes the appearance of pores ,lines ,wrinkles and redness instantly. The Universal shade glides on smoothly and dries down to a translucent flawless finish. This is our Go to product for a fast, flawless effortless look with measurable anti-aging benefits perfect for the beauties on the go. Urban decay 24/7 Glide on eye pencils. These highly pigmented creamy pencils have be- come a staple in our beauty routine. Their smooth formula makes for an effortless application, and the beautiful range of bright vibrant colors make this product a fun staple for the artistic individual. We love that they stay put all day and night , no more pencil transfers or bleeds.   Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil Urban Decay has done it again with this easy to use concealer that hides imperfections and stays put all day. No more checking in the mirror to see if your concealer budged or creased. This creamy formula blends easily and dried to a beautiful mate finish. The concealer pencil is convenient. No more messy brushes or dipping fingers into pots . This pencil is ideal for a fuss free, mess free makeup application.   By Terry’s sensational Terrybly Densiliss foundation. This foundation dries with a lush semi-matte finish and improves skin density and tell tale signs of wear and tear with its skin mimicking active ingredients. Be sure to give your skin a high dose of free radical fighting power by marrying it with a high efficiency product like SeSderma’s liposomal vitamin C-VIT serum.   Click here to view this post in the March/April 2014 issue.

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