Whether temporary, permanent or situational, a disability can create unique challenges to an individual's independence. While many disabilities may appear similar, every person is unique and the support they need from their technology may also be unique whether it is inside of the workplace or in their everyday lives.
That's why I'm proud to work HPE - a company that is deeply committed to inclusion for those who are differently abled. , and one that puts the full weight of our culture of innovation behind that effort.
For the fourth year in a row, HPE has scored 100 out of 100 points on the Disability Equality Index (DEI). The DEI rankings, which are published each year by Disability:IN, is the preeminent metric for workplace inclusion and accessibilty for the disability community.
At the office
Through our partnerships with Learning and Development, IT Operations and various Business Units, my team in the Accessibility Program Office assists with checking the content and tools these teams provide to our employees to help identify potential barriers for independent access. When necessary we provide guidance on remediation options and asssistance to check their progress.
Inclusion of those different abilities isn't just the right thing to do, it's a business imperative that drives value for our customers through innovation. As our CEO, Antonio Neri, has said repeately, you cannot have innovation when everyone around you looks and thinks the same.
Inclusion in HPE's products
However, our efforts arenโt limited to the walls of our HPE offices. Our culture of inclusion is brought to bear daily on the products and services we provide to customers; advancing the way people with different abilities live and work.
HPE strives to provide products and services that are accessible to everyone, including persons with a disability. HPE products are designed to best meet the requirements of international and regional standards such as the U.S. Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 (level A and AA) guidelines where reasonably possible.
Adding and improving accessible support through continuous product advancements and customer feedback.
The power of data will drive so many critical choices in our lives. It is important that everyone is able to access and participate in this digital world.
How our customers interact with technology is continuously evolving and no longer is an IT administrator confined to a physical data center. Our software-defined data centers can be accessed, managed and controlled using a connected browser from almost anywhere in the world. Technology today is providing avenues for consumers to order and manage their own virtual cloud, bypassing the requirement for an IT professional all together.
Our passion for making a difference
Every day, we are given the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of fellow employees and our customers. Living with a disability may create challenges to everyday life but it does not diminish the desire to participate and contribute independently. Helping our product teams understand the need and design for accessibility so they can create solutions that allow for contribution and participation.
Being part of the solution to help others is both gratifying and motivating. We probably all know of someone near to us personally that lives with a disability that impacts their daily life. Being part of the solution is rewarding.
I have been witness to a lot of technology changes through the years. From the physical technology we use, to the systems and cloud services we access. I am proud that my company views every individual as important and deserving of the right of access to participate and contribute. I am proud that HPE sees the value and has the wisdom to dedicate resources to the subject of accessible technology and promotes our efforts to assist our peers.
About the writer:
Bill represents HPE and its accessibility efforts through participation in industry policy groups and philanthropy efforts to help our communities around the globe improve and advance the way we all live and work. With thirty years of tenure at HPE, Bill brings a passion for the customer and is proud of the work he and his team is doing to support our corporate partners.
Stay connected to Bill via LinkedIn and to learn more about our culture, explore Careers at HPE and Join the team!
Susan Graye
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
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