Adobe : celebrates intersectional identities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Adobe celebrates intersectional identities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month

This imagery was created by the Access at Adobe employee network and symbolizes the radiance and influence of the community; honoring intersectional identities, including visible and invisible disabilities, that help inform and create a more accessible world for everyone.

October marks the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which highlights the importance of employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Throughout the month, Adobe is excited to host several engaging events and spotlight stories from our employees to continue our efforts in raising awareness on the significant role people with disabilities play in the workforce and our communities.

It is Adobe's conviction that everyone deserves respect and equal treatment, regardless of any personal traits that make up who we are.

We believe when people feel appreciated and included, they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We call this vision Adobe for All.

https://blog.adobe.com/en/promotions/adobe-life/diversity-inclusion

Redefining how the disability community is perceived

The disability community is comprised of the largest minority group on the planet. What's more, individuals in this community share some of the most unique experiences, in which they oftentimes leverage to creatively develop 'life hacks' - in the workplace, and everyday life. These inspiring stories show how our abilities empower strengths and character traits that are truly one-of-a-kind.

We're committed to elevating the diverse voices of our employees with disabilities to educate, expand perspectives, and strengthen empathy.

Our Access at Adobe employee network is focused on supporting and advocating for Adobe employees and family members with disabilities. The network strives to advance disability inclusion while raising awareness through employee spotlights which feature personal stories from our employees with disabilities, injuries, and illnesses.

To honor NDEAM this year, we are centering employee engagement activities around the theme: "We the 15%: Celebrating our Intersectional Identities." This theme raises awareness of the 15 percent of the world's population (1.2 billion people) who live with disabilities and inspires all employees to own their identity (gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background, religious beliefs human differences, etc.), break free from stigmas, and foster an environment where everyone belongs.

We will mark the occasion by hosting engaging events and encouraging all employees to get involved in various ways, including:

• A fireside chat with a renowned external speaker who will share insights on how authentic representation across the disabled, Hispanic, Black, queer, and other communities is pivotal in fostering an innovative and vibrant creative experience for everyone.
• To observe World Mental Health Day, the Access at Adobe employee network is inviting employees to participate in various events and activities to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Activities include regional events and a global fundraising initiative to support organizations leading positive mental health outcomes for communities worldwide.
• We will continue to raise awareness for neurodiversity in the workplace during October for ADHD Awareness Month, with an inspiring story from our very own, Catherine Wynne, Customer Success Executive at Adobe, who shares her experience with ADHD and how being diagnosed recently helped her understand more about herself and to find her true identity.

Commitment to an inclusive work culture

During Adobe's annual Diversity & Inclusion event, Adobe for All Week, we listened to inspiring stories from guest speakers and employees from around the world. We also heard from senior leaders who spoke about our progress, and how coming together to make meaningful change can strengthen diverse representation and create an inclusive place where we all belong.

The event featured powerful perspectives from Adobe employees who shared their own unique stories and experiences ultimately pushing forward further creativity and inclusion, including:

• While an engineering student in India, Asit Pant was struck with a rare autoimmune disease that permanently compromised his mobility. But he was determined not to let that stand in the way of pursuing the life he dreamed of.
• For the first 33 years of her life, Hanna Mroczek wondered why she had such a hard time fitting in. Then, a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism helped her understand how to navigate the world in her own unique way.
• After a potentially life-shattering accident, Pallavi Chatterji had the choice to shrink away from the world or to fight back stronger than ever. Learn how her unconventional upbringing helped her defy the odds and embrace her beautiful life.
• Born with a visual impairment, Daiju Numahashi has learned to leverage his unique skills to help his Adobe colleagues embrace health and wellness.

We will be sharing videos of these inspiring employee stories in the coming weeks.

Additionally, we support individuals with disabilities through our involvement with The Valuable 500, whose mission is to use the power of business to drive lasting change for the 1.2 billion people around the world, living with a disability. We were also recognized in Disability:IN's 2022 Disability Inclusion Index as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

We look forward to celebrating the uniqueness and brilliance of this community and as is our mission, will continue to cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion year-round that fosters a sense of belonging while elevating diverse or underrepresented voices.

For those that are interested, learn more about how to participate in NDEAM, both during October and throughout the year.

https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2022/07/26/charting-path-future-digital-accessibility

https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2022/06/08/every-color-every-shade-everywhere
https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2022/06/07/women-creating-impact-in-film-beyond