For the first time, European Union (EU) regulations are positioning disability inclusion as a fundamental aspect of corporate sustainability. The new mandates, effective from early 2025, will make accessibility and disability inclusion key components of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. This shift will necessitate significant changes in how companies address and report on disability.
Disability, in collaboration with White & Case and the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has released a comprehensive report titled “Disability Inclusion in the EU: A Legal Analysis to Guide Corporate Responsibilities Under New EU Disability Inclusive Legislation.” The report serves as a crucial guide for businesses navigating the EU’s new regulatory framework, which includes three key pieces of legislation: the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These regulations collectively mandate that companies integrate disability inclusion into their sustainability reporting and operational practices.
Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability, highlighted the transformative impact of these regulations. “We are rapidly approaching a time where corporate accessibility and disability inclusion practices are no longer optional, but essential business imperatives,” she stated. Houghton referenced Accenture research showing that companies embracing disability inclusion see significant financial benefits, including 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and double the economic profit. She emphasized that these practices not only ensure compliance but also drive innovation, customer loyalty, and growth.
The report’s release comes alongside the expansion of the Disability Equality Index® into seven countries outside the United States, reflecting a rising demand for tools that measure disability inclusion in global markets. This expansion is particularly timely as the EU prepares to implement its new regulations.
Julia Sitter, M&A/Corporate Partner at White & Case, praised the partnership with Disability, noting the importance of understanding the evolving legal landscape. “White & Case is honoured to once again partner with Disability
to deliver a critical analysis for multinational companies facing new EU disability inclusion mandates,” Sitter said. “Our report helps businesses navigate these groundbreaking regulations, emphasising the growing significance of accessibility-inclusive practices globally.”
Carolina Henriquez-Schmitz, Director at TrustLaw, Thomson Reuters Foundation, underscored the increasing demand for transparency in disability disclosure. “By deepening their understanding of disability disclosure regulations, companies can enhance their performance and contribute to a more equitable society,” Henriquez-Schmitz remarked.
The new EU regulations represent a significant shift in the global business landscape, positioning disability inclusion as a core element of sustainable economic systems. As companies adapt to these requirements, they will not only ensure compliance but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.