These organizations, in addition to receiving training from the NPOs on creating inclusive workplaces, will also accelerate their disability inclusion program by completing Accessibility Fundamentals, the course by Microsoft Learn which provides guidance on inclusive design principles and leveraging assistive technology.

"2020 has been a difficult year for everyone and when we look at the incredible number of businesses and governments who have pivoted to cloud with Microsoft in the region, tech roles and digital skills will be the backbone of the economic recovery every country. And one of the ways we can enable an inclusive recovery is by empowering every person and every business with technology skills," he continued.

Engaging PwDs in the Workplace

Microsoft's partners in the region commit to providing opportunities for PwDs by providing job shadowing, training, mentoring and internship attachments in technical roles. These opportunities will be offered in close collaboration with the NPO's who will match the most suitable PwD profile, skills, qualifications, and ambitions with the requirements of the role.

"Accessibility starts with building a culture of inclusion in the workplace. The more you focus on it, the more your culture will improve and evolve. The company culture and workplace environment are important elements of a successful accessibility program. At Microsoft, our vision and strategy of accessibility was to embed inclusive, accessible design into the fabric of the company. And we want to enable every organization to be inclusive," concluded Vivek.

Enabling the Employment of PwDs

To expand the talent pipeline for partners and connect job-seeking PwDs to tech roles, the program will also feature a virtual job fair, held at the end of second quarter of 2021, that brings together the Microsoft partners and NPOs. PwDs can use the opportunity to showcase their skills, experience from their job attachments and interests, while businesses share roles available to connect with potential hires. In addition to job matching, the virtual event will include educational sessions about accessibility in the workplace, assistive technology as well as training, support and tools to help organizations sustain their accessibility programs.

Learn about the four-module Microsoft Learn course on Accessibility Fundamentals here and Accessibility Technology and Tools here.

Non-profit organization quotes

"At Be. Lab and the Global Centre of Possibility we are delighted to be working alongside the team at Microsoft and their partners on such a critical programme to advance access and employment in Aotearoa and the wider Asia Pacific. Access citizens are an untapped pool of talent that bring a unique set of skills to forward-thinking, 21^st century workplaces such as problem-solving, agility, persistence, and innovation."

"Creativeness comes from diversity and people with disability is another form of diversity. Microsoft has been partnering with JA Korea for inclusive education and now advancing the program to inclusive hiring where the workplace will be more creative place."

The world around us is rapidly becoming more diverse. It is critically important to understand the world in which we live and work and how we can value diversity and foster inclusion. By partnering with Microsoft, we believe that we can accelerate an inclusive global economy where people with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully.

"Work is dignity and employment empowers people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Microsoft has been offering mentorship, internship and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and recently shared their best practices at SG Enable's Inclusive Business Forum.  We look forward to strengthening our continued partnership with Microsoft to further empower companies in Singapore with the necessary knowledge and skills to hire persons with disabilities and to build a more inclusive workforce for the future."

"Life with a disability in Thailand can be a daily struggle that can include discrimination. A person may not be able to access a place of learning or a place of work, therefore PwDs people are left to simply exist at home. Microsoft has supported us for many years with trainings and software, now with increasing support of employment opportunity. We're thankful to Microsoft for ensuring that people with disabilities can have better jobs and importantly, better living."

"Our experience taught us that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are positive investments. Together with Microsoft, we train them for competitive employment in the digital economy. Employers especially noted their loyalty and passion for learning; jobs liberate them from the destructive impact of poverty and low self-esteem. Unfortunately, the PWDs are already left behind because of outdated labour practices in the Philippines. The impact of 4IR and COVID-19 could push down even further unless we act now by making inclusive hiring the new normal."

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