Clay Cartwright
Business leaders don’t have the luxury of chasing every new idea that crosses their desk. Every initiative competes for time, attention, and budget.
Most leaders are focused on the same priorities: finding talent, retaining high performers, improving productivity, and staying ahead of competitors.
So where does disability inclusion fit into that equation?
For many organizations, it turns out disability inclusion isn’t a side initiative at all. It’s a practical strategy for solving some of today’s most pressing workforce and innovation challenges.
That’s exactly why the 2026 Disability Inclusion Summit, taking place September 24 in Kansas City and online, brings together senior executives, HR leaders, and workforce strategists from companies across manufacturing, healthcare, finance, technology, and other industries.
CDI fosters meaningful conversations through a culture of collaboration—where leaders share what’s working, what isn’t, and how disability inclusion connects to real business outcomes.
This isn’t just another conference to attend. It’s a place where leaders exchange ideas, explore practical solutions, and leave with strategies they can put into action immediately.
Here are five reasons the Summit deserves a place on your calendar.
For leaders, results matter.
The conversation around inclusion can sometimes feel abstract or values-driven. But the data tells a different story.
A 2023 Accenture study found that companies leading in disability inclusion outperform their peers with:
Why does that happen?
Organizations that prioritize disability inclusion tend to build stronger cultures, broaden their talent pipelines, and remove barriers that limit employee performance. Those improvements benefit the entire workforce.
At the 2026 Disability Inclusion Summit, speakers and panels will explore how companies translate these ideas into practical action—from accessible hiring practices to workplace accommodations that improve productivity for everyone.
For example, Matt Leger, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at NeuroTalent Works, will share insights from a case study demonstrating how nonprofit organizations, government partners, and corporations can collaborate to create meaningful disability-inclusive hiring outcomes.
The focus isn’t theory. It’s how leaders can apply disability inclusion strategies that strengthen performance and drive measurable outcomes.
Replacing talented employees is expensive.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the average cost to hire a new employee is roughly $4,700, with highly specialized roles often costing far more. But the financial cost is only part of the equation.
When experienced employees leave, organizations lose institutional knowledge, relationships, and momentum.
Retention matters.
At the same time, one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability. That means disability inclusion directly impacts a significant portion of the workforce—whether employees choose to disclose their disability or not.
When organizations create environments where employees with disabilities feel supported and valued, retention improves. Teams become more stable, collaboration strengthens, and employees are more likely to stay and grow with the organization.
At the Summit, business leaders will share practical strategies for building inclusive workplace cultures that increase engagement, strengthen retention, and reduce the hidden costs of turnover.
Most organizations recognize the importance of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other regulations. Compliance is essential.
But smart leaders understand something important: compliance alone isn’t a strategy.
Organizations that treat disability inclusion as a proactive business initiative—rather than simply a regulatory requirement—often see stronger results across hiring, culture, and performance.
The Summit will explore how companies can:
The goal is to move beyond checklists and toward systems that work for both employees and the business.
Technology is rapidly transforming the workplace.
Artificial intelligence, accessibility tools, and assistive technology are opening new possibilities for employees with disabilities. Many of these tools are surprisingly affordable—and often benefit the entire workforce.
For example, technologies that support accessibility can also improve communication, productivity, and collaboration across teams.
At the Summit, leaders will hear about emerging trends shaping the future of work, including how AI and digital accessibility tools can provide low-cost or no-cost workplace accommodations.
For organizations looking to innovate, disability inclusion can be a powerful lens for discovering solutions that improve the employee experience for everyone.
Great ideas rarely emerge in isolation.
Some of the most valuable moments at events like this happen between sessions—during conversations with peers who are facing similar workforce challenges.
The Disability Inclusion Summit brings together leaders from across industries who are exploring how disability inclusion can strengthen their organizations and improve business performance.
You’ll have opportunities to connect with professionals who are:
These conversations often spark new ideas, partnerships, and solutions that extend far beyond the event itself.
For many attendees, the connections made at the Summit become a catalyst for new initiatives, collaborations, and long-term progress within their organizations.
Travel budgets and busy calendars can make in-person events difficult.
That’s why the 2026 Disability Inclusion Summit includes a robust virtual option designed to provide a meaningful experience for remote attendees.
Virtual participants will have access to:
Whether you attend in Kansas City or online, you’ll gain access to insights and ideas that can support your organization’s next steps.
For many leaders, the Summit becomes a starting point.
It’s an opportunity to explore what disability inclusion can look like in practice—and how it connects directly to workforce performance, talent development, and innovation.
The Center for Disability Inclusion works alongside companies across industries to help translate those ideas into long-term strategies that strengthen hiring, engagement, retention, and workforce performance.
But it often begins with a single conversation, a new idea, or a connection made at an event like this.
The 2026 Disability Inclusion Summit takes place September 24 in Kansas City and online, bringing together leaders who are exploring how disability inclusion can strengthen their organizations and drive meaningful results.
If your organization is looking for new ways to attract talent, improve retention, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing workforce, this conversation is worth being part of.
Learn more about the agenda, speakers, and registration options on the Summit page:
Seats for the in-person event are limited, and the virtual experience is designed for interactive participation. Now is the time to secure your spot and join the conversation shaping the future of disability inclusion in business.