Creating More Inclusive Workplaces: Perspectives From the Numotion Customer Advocacy Board

An inclusive workplace is not defined by a single policy, technology, or accommodation. It is built through everyday decisions that help employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.

Members of the Numotion Customer Advocacy Board have built careers across a variety of industries, bringing with them unique experiences navigating the workplace while living with a disability. While every person’s needs are different, their perspectives reveal several principles that can help create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Listen Before You Assume

Perhaps the most meaningful workplace accommodation isn’t an accommodation at all. It’s a conversation. Several CAB members shared that the employers who made the greatest impact were the ones who started conversations about success early, creating an environment where employees felt comfortable discussing what they needed.

As Vance shared,

“When I’ve worked at places, they just asked during onboarding, ‘Hey Vance, we want you to be successful. What are things we can do? Is there something you need from us to make sure you can do your job well?’”

That question left a lasting impression.

“That meant the world because I’ve worked at places where I was scared to say anything. I thought if I asked for something it would be held against me. Being seen as somebody that brings value… there’s loyalty there.”

Paul experienced that same mindset before beginning a project.

“Before the project started, they asked me what I needed. They built in extra travel time, made sure the hotels worked for me, and even accommodated my caregiver who is my wife. It makes me work harder knowing they’ve taken those things into consideration.”

When organizations begin by listening, they create a culture where employees know their success matters.

Accessibility Is Personal

No two disabilities are the same, and neither are the accommodations that help people succeed.

For Tae, thoughtful planning of the physical environment creates the opportunity to participate fully.

“When I am on set, they make sure there are bigger dressing rooms for me, that ropes and cameras are out of the way, and that the cords are taped up so I can move through safely.”

She also shared that production teams often make sure her caregiver has what they need as well, recognizing that accessibility extends beyond one individual.

Kent experienced that same individualized approach after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Rather than expecting him to adapt to the workplace, his employer adapted the workplace to support him.

“They did everything and anything they could. They built a custom-made workspace for me, added blue buttons to automate the doors, adjusted the restroom, and more.”

Technology has also played an important role in his career.

“The iPhone and iPad have also been my work tools, 100%. Amen to accessible products that work for folks like me with spinal cord injuries.”

Accessibility is never about creating one solution for everyone. It’s about creating the right environment for each individual to succeed. Once that foundation is in place, people are able to focus on reaching their full potential.

Empower Performance

Several CAB members challenged the traditional idea of workplace accommodations altogether.

Josh prefers to think of them as performance enhancers.

“I’ve always tried to change ‘reasonable accommodation’ to not think of it as a reasonable accommodation but a performance enhancer. So, how can I perform at my highest ability?”

For him, the answer has been finding the right assistive technology.

“That combination of assistive technology allows my mind to tackle whatever I’m dreaming up during the day. It’s a beautiful thing to find the right technologies and be at your best.”

Paul has experienced similar benefits through AI, voice-to-text, and smart technology.

“AI has been a game changer for me… Those types of technologies have really helped me be more independent, be productive, and not have any worry in the world like I would have before AI.”

Ultimately, these tools remove barriers while unlocking creativity, productivity, and potential, allowing people to focus on the work they were hired to do.

Flexibility Makes All the Difference

Support is not always found in technology or equipment. Sometimes, it comes through understanding.

Jen knows firsthand how meaningful flexibility can be.

“Flexibility has been the biggest thing. With a child who is in the hospital more often than not, my employer is incredibly flexible and understanding. They’re just willing to work with me on whatever I need.”

For Vance, support has also meant recognizing that personal assistance is an essential part of his workday.

“They provide me with an assistant throughout the day… and if my assistant is unavailable, my wife has been hired as an intermittent employee. They don’t assume she’ll just do it for free. They believe in paying someone to do it.”

Paul echoed that appreciation when talking about travel.

“They factor in travel time for me because my wife does all the driving. Extra hotel days have been awesome.”

These gestures may seem simple, but they communicate something every employee wants to hear: You matter here.

Inclusion Creates Stronger Workplaces

Every workplace is different, just as every employee’s needs are different.

The experiences shared by members of the Numotion Customer Advocacy Board demonstrate that meaningful inclusion isn’t achieved through a single accommodation or policy. It grows from listening, adapting, investing in people, and creating environments where employees have the opportunity to contribute at their highest level.

When accessibility is viewed as an investment in people rather than an obligation, workplaces become stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive for everyone.

At Numotion, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and fully participate. We’re proud to support employees living with disabilities and the customers we serve by helping remove barriers and providing the mobility and assistive technology solutions that make greater participation possible.