Power of Inclusion Luncheon

Prioritizing Disability Inclusion in NWA

The Power of Inclusion Luncheon, presented by GSK Consumer Healthcare, was held on Thursday, October 10. We were encouraged to see a room full of Northwest Arkansas’ most powerful business leaders coming together to discuss business practices that directly impact the clients we serve at Sunshine School.

Steve Bratspies, Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart U.S. moderated a panel discussion focused on disability inclusion in the workplace. Joining him were Lorenzo Claridy from GSK Consumer Healthcare, Becky Kekula from Disability:IN, Louis Martin from Coca-Cola, and Ashley Taylor from Acosta. Becky shared how the Disability Equality Index (DEI) can be used as a tool for companies to measure their disability inclusion, as well as find ways to move toward being a more inclusive company. Coca-Cola, GSK, and Walmart scored an 80% or higher on the 2019 DEI, with Walmart and GSK both scoring 100%. The panelists shared ways their companies make accommodations for individuals with disabilities, whether it is rethinking and adjusting interview styles, providing closed captioning on all company training videos, or going above the minimum requirements to truly make individuals feel welcome and giving them the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you to GSK Consumer Healthcare for being the presenting sponsor for this important discussion. Thank you to Jack Links for being our Production Sponsor, Mars Wrigley for being the Luncheon Sponsors, and the Walmart Foundation for being the Special Appeal sponsor. Thank you to everyone who attended - your presence was a testament to the fact that you also see a world where inclusion is not only possible but a powerful tool for businesses and communities. We are honored you took time from your day to be at the event with us. We look forward to continuing the conversation and making sure that NWA continues to lead the way for disability inclusion.

Check out the Power of Inclusion video presented by Jack Links here: