We often discuss the importance of inclusivity.
Companies like to highlight how diverse their teams are, universities proudly announce their acceptance of students from various backgrounds, and brands include individuals with disabilities in their advertisements. But how genuine is all of this?
The reality is that for many organizations, inclusivity is merely a way to look good. When it comes to actual chances for jobs, leadership positions, or promotions, individuals with disabilities frequently find themselves overlooked.
A recent post on LinkedIn by Amey Tiwari, an MBA student at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Tiruchirappalli, has ignited an important discussion about inclusivity in the workplace.
Despite his qualifications, Tiwari, who is visually impaired, faced challenges in finding a placement due to the lack of opportunities available for someone in his situation.
“I am exhausted. I did everything right.
he wrote on LinkedIn.
Yet, here I am – unplaced. My MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli is ending. This should be a moment of achievement. Instead, it feels like a cruel joke. Why? Not because of my skills. Not because of my knowledge. Not because of my drive. It’s because I am blind,”
He highlighted his skills in managing investment portfolios, handling mergers and acquisitions, and improving customer experiences.
As a Certified Product Manager and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, he has also explored the difficulties that disabled entrepreneurs encounter and the importance of disability benchmarking in new businesses. He graduated from IIM! Unfortunately, many companies overlook his talents just because they are reluctant to hire individuals with disabilities.
“Honestly, this world doesn’t treat people like me as equals. It calls us ‘inspirations’ when it suits them but holds back when it’s time to offer jobs. We hear a lot about diversity, inclusion, and accessibility—those are nice phrases. But when it’s time to act, there’s a troubling silence. My student loan? That’s a reality I face. My future? That’s a real concern. The biases I deal with daily? They’re all too real,” he went on to say.
The post he wrote instantly went viral, highlighting a sad reality: business India remains afraid to walk the language when it comes to true diversity. He emphasized how persons with impairments must battle twice as hard just to be noticed, let alone hired.
To be truly inclusive, organizations must have accessible recruiting practices, as well as the required tools and support systems for individuals with disabilities. Most importantly, people with disabilities must be chosen for their talent, not as a PR gimmick.