Theseorganizations, in addition to receiving training from the NPOs on creatinginclusive workplaces, will also accelerate their disability inclusion programby completing Accessibility Fundamentals, the course by Microsoft Learn which providesguidance on inclusive design principles and leveraging assistive technology.

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

Engaging PwDs in the Workplace

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

"Accessibilitystarts with building a culture of inclusion in the workplace. The more youfocus on it, the more your culture will improve and evolve. The company cultureand workplace environment are important elements of a successful accessibilityprogram. At Microsoft, our vision and strategy of accessibility was to embedinclusive, accessible design into the fabric of the company. And we want toenable every organization to be inclusive," concluded Vivek.

Enabling the Employment of PwDs

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

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

Non-profitorganization quotes

"At Be. Lab and the Global Centre of Possibility we are delighted to beworking alongside the team at Microsoft and their partners on such a criticalprogramme to advance access and employment in Aotearoa and the wider AsiaPacific. Access citizens are an untapped pool of talent that bring a unique setof skills to forward-thinking, 21^st century workplaces such asproblem-solving, agility, persistence, and innovation."

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

The world around us is rapidlybecoming more diverse. It is critically important to understand the world inwhich we live and work and how we can value diversity and foster inclusion. Bypartnering with Microsoft, we believe that we can accelerate an inclusiveglobal economy where people with disabilities participate fully andmeaningfully.

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

"Life with a disabilityin Thailand can be a daily struggle that can include discrimination. A personmay not be able to access a place of learning or a place of work, therefore PwDspeople are left to simply exist at home. Microsoft has supported us for manyyears with trainings and software, now with increasing support of employmentopportunity. We're thankful to Microsoft for ensuring that people withdisabilities can have better jobs and importantly, better living."

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

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