Book Launch: The Business of Ability

The O2 Ability Awards have not only successfully established a business standard; they have pioneered an achievable vision for leadership engagement. They have constructively challenged the relationship between people with disabilities and business.

In creating the O2 Ability Awards, Kanchi recognised the power of business and media as change agents. Combining the influence of these forces, we created a business model and process that would leverage the disability business case in a way it had not been done before. The core philosophy of the O2 Ability Awards was to alter mindset, attitude and thinking to drive behavioural change. In doing this the focus was on “what is being done”, on establishing examples of excellence that could be replicated, role models that could be followed, and leaders that could be emulated.

The O2 Ability Awards sought to provide business with a methodology for change but also wanted something far greater, namely to enable business to lead societal change for people with disabilities. If disabled people are valued as consumers, commentators and employees, exclusion no longer has a place within the culture of an organisaton. If business recognises the disability dividend, society will follow.

This book contains only part of our story so far. It documents the case studies of companies that have excelled. There is in-depth material on how to begin the process of including people with disabilities in your business, which we would encourage other companies to replicate and copy. It highlights some of the most inspiring people we have come across, people, who genuinely cared about what we were doing and believed enough to take action.

We wrote this book to provide a tool for any business who wants to become an ability company.

Can you imagine how powerful it would be to increase the number of Ability Companies from 100 to 1000? Or the power of creating Ability Companies around the world?

Change only happens when you are willing to think differently.
That is why difference is so valuable.

• Posted:27 May 2008 at 11:06 am

Junior Chambers Ireland Judging

Earlier this month Caroline Casey, a previous winner of the 2002 Outstanding Young Person of the World, took part in the judging for this year’s winner. Visit their website for further details.

• Posted:25 May 2008 at 02:34 pm