The 318 MISSION
Join the Mission for Disability Workplace Inclusion
the story behind the mission
My journey into disability inclusion began with a firm conviction: every person deserves the opportunity to share their talents and thrive in a supportive work environment. For nearly 30 years, I have dedicated myself to human resources and talent acquisition. Over the past 15 years, this work has been guided by an unwavering belief that no one should be sidelined because of a disability. This commitment is deeply personal, rooted in my faith, and shaped by Proverbs 31:8: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
This mission took on new meaning when I was tasked with hiring candidates with Autism for customer-facing roles at AMC Theatres. That moment transformed Proverbs 31:8 from a guiding principle into a call to action. I quickly realized that organizations can only fully benefit from hiring qualified individuals with disabilities by intentionally embracing disability inclusion. A significant pool of talented individuals is being unintentionally excluded by traditional recruiting processes.
My own health challenges—ranging from severe migraines and hearing loss to surviving a heart attack and managing ADHD—have given me a deeper understanding of the realities faced by millions of people with disabilities. Disability inclusion is not just about hiring; it’s about fostering a culture of retention. Many employees will face acquired conditions that create barriers in their careers. This journey has not always been easy, but my faith has sustained me, affirming that this purpose and passion have been divinely placed in my heart. Every challenge reminds me that this mission is bigger than myself—a calling to create a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique gifts.
Throughout this journey, I have championed the cause of people who might otherwise be overlooked, striving to build pathways for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. From speaking at the White House and being invited by the U.S. Embassy to address disability employment in Moscow to co-authoring a SHRM course on disability inclusion, I have been privileged to collaborate with dedicated leaders across industries. Yet, I know this mission is not mine alone. It is a shared movement, echoing the values of inclusion, respect, and fairness—one I am honored to help advance.
I am currently in the process of writing a book to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to build disability-inclusive workplaces. But this work extends far beyond a book—it’s about fostering real change in workplaces and communities. I invite you to join me in this mission.
—Andy Traub
The Challenge
Many companies and organizations struggle to build genuinely inclusive workplaces for employees with disabilities. This gap excludes valuable talent and limits the company’s growth, culture, and competitive edge. Leaders often feel uncertain about where to start, fear making mistakes, or simply lack the tools to transform their organization into an inclusive, high-performing workplace.
Every company should have the opportunity to hire, retain, and support employees with disabilities so they aren’t limited in their pursuit of success and impact.
The Solution
Disability inclusion is not an act of charity—it’s a smart, sustainable business strategy. Companies that intentionally embrace disability inclusion gain access to a largely untapped talent pool, improve retention, and foster a culture of innovation. By removing barriers in hiring, onboarding, and career advancement, businesses unlock the full potential of their workforce, leading to increased productivity and stronger financial performance.
Organizations that shift their perspective—seeing disability inclusion not as an obligation but as a competitive advantage—position themselves for long-term success. Inclusive companies experience higher employee engagement, stronger customer loyalty, and enhanced brand reputation. By embedding disability inclusion into their core business practices, they create workplaces where all employees can contribute their best work, driving measurable impact for individuals, teams, and the bottom line.
Proverbs 31:8: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
The benefits
Embracing disability inclusion strengthens businesses from the inside out. Companies that prioritize inclusion gain a stronger reputation as forward-thinking, socially responsible organizations—appealing to customers, investors, and top talent alike.
By removing barriers, businesses tap into a deeper talent pool, accessing skilled and motivated employees who are often overlooked by traditional hiring practices. This expands recruiting opportunities and ensures companies don’t miss out on high-quality candidates.
A commitment to inclusion also leads to higher employee retention. When workplaces accommodate diverse needs and foster a culture of belonging, employees feel valued, stay longer, and contribute more effectively. This reduces turnover costs and creates a more engaged workforce.
Ultimately, disability inclusion cultivates a healthier workplace culture—one built on equity, respect, and innovation. When employees see that diversity is valued at every level, collaboration improves, morale rises, and the entire organization benefits from fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving.
With 83% of people acquiring a disability later in life, my mission is not about starting something new but joining a mission already at work. I’m inviting you to help build workplaces where individuals with disabilities aren’t just included but valued.