Routledge Companion to Disability and Work

The Routledge Companion to Disability and Work explores the realities faced by disabled individuals in the workplace and beyond. Despite enduring stereotypes and prejudice, disabled employees and entrepreneurs continue to achieve and thrive. This Companion documents the history and future of disability organizing, highlighting concerns of the world's largest minority—over 1 billion people or 15% of the global population. Inspired by the sunflower symbol for invisible disabilities, this Companion sheds light on the unseen efforts undertaken by disabled people to combat ableism. It delves into stories of employment, entrepreneurship, self-advocacy, activism, and well-being management. Highlighting how disabled workers mobilize support, fight for human rights, respect, and equality, navigate the challenges of disclosure and intersectionality, build networks, and foster inclusive environments, it underscores the contributions of disabled individuals and their allies. Authored by experts, many with personal experiences of disability, this Companion showcases the diverse types of work disabled people—and their allies—perform that go beyond the duties of their job roles. It provides a robust foundation for understanding and advancing disability inclusion. With global research, the Companion broadens our understanding of the (in)visible challenges and triumphs of disabled people at work. Celebrating disability pride and joy, it offers insights into navigating biases, stigma, and discrimination. The disability movement, fueled by inequities in healthcare, education, accessibility, and work, deserves attention from business leaders. This comprehensive guide is essential for students, teachers, and researchers looking to intersect disability and business, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Oana Branzei is Paul MacPherson Chair in Strategic Leadership and Professor of Strategy and Sustainability at the Ivey Business School, Western University. Oana’s research focuses on hopeful, purposeful, mindful, and explicitly prosocial organizing in response to grand challenges. She is a reflexive researcher who studies emplaced and embodied responses to both everyday and extreme events. Oana is a temporarily abled-bodied ally to disabled collaborators confronting (dis)ableism.

Anica Zeyen is Professor in Entrepreneurship and Inclusion at the School of Business and Management, Royal Holloway University of London. Anica’s research focuses on disability-inclusive organizing. She is a qualitative researcher who specializes in diary studies and visual methods. Anica is blind and volunteers as a disability advocate and campaigner.