Despite laws promoting inclusion, discrimination against disabled individuals persists in various sectors. International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds companies to enhance the acceptability of differently-abled persons in their workspaces. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in India has long been recognized not only for its economic contributions but also for its progressive workplace policies including best practices for differently-abled persons. In India, the unemployment rate among individuals who are differently abled remains exceptionally high, with some estimates exceeding 70%. This situation persists despite the existence of legislation that allocates 3% of government positions for them. Vertex Global Services, a leading player in the BPM industry, is actively working to empower differently-abled youth in India by creating more opportunities for them. The company has an existing employee base of 800+ and has aggressive plans to take it to over 2500 in the next four years. The company has announced its plans to integrate 10-12% of differently-abled individuals into the workforce within next four years. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also strengthens the diverse talent pool within the organization.
The company aims to create a diverse pool of opportunities for differently-abled individuals to receive training in multiple languages, ensuring they can effectively communicate with a diverse clientele. As per the World Bank Report, differently abled people comprise between 5 and 8 per cent of the Indian population (around 55 – 90 million individuals). This data is not just a mere number but it highlights the urgency of equipping these populations with essential skills and amenities to thrive in this competitive world.
Gagan Arora, the Founder of Vertex Global Services, remarks, "India’s individuals are rich in talent, as evidenced by our remarkable achievement of 29 medals at this year’s Paris Paralympics. Differently-abled individuals have proven that with determination, they can excel in any endeavour. Vertex Global Services plans to integrate 10 to 12% of our workforce from the differently-abled community, providing them with essential language skills and appropriate job roles. I urge both public and private sectors to transform the current lack of opportunities into a rich landscape for growth and inclusion by empowering these youth."
Arora added, that despite government initiatives, the private sector needs to amend its policies and open new doors for the differently-abled to empower and improve their economic hardships. The Philippines is one of the biggest examples whose government and numerous non-governments are helping the differently abled in achieving their dreams by improving their well-being and providing them enhanced job opportunities.
According to the International Disability Rights Monitor (IDRM), more than 57.1 per cent of differently abled individuals in the Philippines are employed. Among them, 30.9 per cent are involved in agricultural activities such as farming, forestry, or fishing, while only 10.8 per cent work as labourers or in unskilled positions. Their efforts to bridge this gap are commendable, and we should draw inspiration from their determination and achievements, he added.