Most employers will have a workforce where at least 10% of their people will have a visible or invisible disability. And 86% of all disabled people acquire their disability during the course of their working lives. How can businesses create strategies and a company culture that includes all staff?
Ensure that your company or organization doesn't become guilty of the soft bigotry of low expectations when it comes to disabled employees and customers. Learn from your disabled staff and consumers and be equipped to be a better and more dynamic organization.
Kate Nash, founder of #PURPLELIGHTUP - a global movement which celebrates the economic contribution of employees with disability - will help you understand how any organization can ensure disabled staff and consumers are included and valued. Telling a fascinating story of how to make change happen and recognizing that any kind of transformation requires knowledge, determination and hard yards of campaigning, networking and deal making, you will learn how to build disability confidence throughout your organization.
Positively Purple allows disabled workers to claim their rightful place centre stage as just another valuable member of the team.
About the Author
Kate Nash OBE is a change leader with over 30 years' experience in working strategically to effect long term changes in relation to disabled people. She is the creator & CEO of PurpleSpace (www.purplespace.org). Established in 2015 it is the world's only professional development membership hub for disability employee resource groups.
In 2017 she founded #PurpleLightUp, a global movement of disabled people, allies and champions who celebrate the economic contribution of disabled people to the global economy. This takes place on 3rd December each year as a mark of respect to the UN International Day of Disabled People. Prominent landmarks that have been illuminated include The Shard in London, Blackpool Tower, John F Kennedy Airport, Niagara Falls, Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Australian Parliament. She is based in London, UK.
Industry Reviews
"Positively Purple should be required reading for every FTSE 250 CEO. Business leaders need to understand and value 'human capital'. Kate Nash is an expert in helping us recognise the value of every human - including those with disabilities." * Ian Stuart, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC UK Bank plc *
"Positively Purple is a tale about the talent and potential of people with disabilities. Any CEO wanting to test the robustness of their disability strategy should understand the politics of disability. Kate Nash's personal story told with brutal honesty, is a compelling read and full of practical lessons." * Duncan Tait, Chief Executive, Inchcape plc *
"Global multinationals like GSK, increasingly choose to learn directly from their employees with disabilities. Building disability confidence from the inside out by investing in a disability employee resource group will make the journey so much easier. Kate's personal story shows us how to supercharge the disability inclusion revolution and create a better, more accessible, working world." * Andy Garrett, GSK Workplace Adjustments Service Programme Director, Global co-lead GSK Disability Confidence Network *
"It's hard for me to talk about Kate and her work without sounding like I am always using hyperbole. I find Kate Nash's presence throughout Positively Purple inspiring. Her words embolden the reader to participate as proactive protagonists in the fight for equity. The path she outlines uses lessons from other equality and identity dimensions but adds a particular magic, unique to Kate herself. This book is essential reading for anyone who would call themselves an ally of equity at work. My team and I are all avid fans of Kate and grateful for all her lessons and practical actions." * John Amaechi OBE, APS *
"Kate Nash has managed to do what no one before her has ever done. Positively Purple is the manuscript for living life and creating epic change for people with disabilities. Kate's special brand of combined grace and spicy wit helps us quite literally feel better for life. She has taught us how to feel good and change the world simultaneously as shown by empirical data. Prepare to have a hard time putting the book down." * Belinda May, Partner & Co-Chair, Dentons US LLP Disability/Accessibility ERG Affinity Group *
"Positively Purple is an incredibly powerful and positive view into Kate's world and the invaluable work she continues to do to raise awareness of the challenges millions face daily. Kate Nash delves into the world of work, which for many is a minefield, and opens the door by providing tangible suggestions for people with disabilities and those who are looking to hire the best talent!" * Steve Ingham, Chief Executive, PageGroup *
"An unrelentingly positive read! Brilliantly weaves her story with the must-read practical advice for employers. Show how employers can lead as allies to create a powerful movement for change, in delivering an inclusive workplace and society." * Mark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive, Scope *
"There is nothing inevitable about progress - it takes relentless campaigning and great campaigners. Kate Nash is one of those people. Her insights into how to create a space without fear of getting it wrong and the importance of positive campaigning should be read by every social change campaigner." * Tiernan Brady, Global Director of Inclusion, Clifford Chance LLP *
