EY Oceania has a thriving Disability Employee Network (DEN), known as “Ability”, designed to help elevate disability inclusion and ensure accessibility in the EY workplace, in order to recognise the contribution that all our people can bring to the world.
Over 1300 network members are made up of EY professionals living with disability, carers and family members of people with a disability and allies who support disability inclusion in the EY workplace and our broader communities. By sharing resources, information, and advice with all EY professionals, the Ability network aims to increase knowledge on disability, as well as improve disability inclusion throughout the firm.
In 2023, Ability has additionally launched three community groups: Neurodiversity (ND) Community Connect, Chronic Health & Invisible Disability Community Connect, and Parent and Carer Community Connect, with the aim to provide a safe space for EY people to connect with others who are navigating similar life experiences and foster a greater sense of belonging.
Every year, Ability takes part in CPA’s STEPtember campaign, a fantastic initiative aimed at raising funds and awareness for Cerebral Palsy. In 2023, we had 279 teams, 1137 participants, raised $58k and took 226 million steps.
Looking back to November, Ability geared up to support EY’s Neurodiversity November 2023 campaign, a month dedicated to raising awareness and building organisation-wide neuro-inclusive capability.
Ability is excited to once again host an organisation-wide trivia event to mark International Day for People with Disability.
When asked why having a DEN was important to them, Co-Chairs Zoë Field and Patrick Medd said: “We are passionate about creating an inclusive environment for people to truly be themselves, and feel supported, represented and heard. We drive celebration, education and activation through our activities and initiatives and love to see and hear the positive impact we are having on our overall culture at EY.”
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