Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining our PRISM, We Are All Able and PossAbilities Business and Employee Resource groups for a combined listening session on disability and neurodiversity. It was an honest and thoughtful discussion about where we’re making progress and where challenges remain.

A message that stayed with me is that inclusion isn’t just about access - it’s about participation - ensuring everyone can participate fully and thrive. Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is one day, but I’m reminded that inclusion is something we bring to life through our actions, decisions and the culture we build together every day of the year.

Across Diageo, colleagues are leading the way. Members of PRISM, We Are All Able and PossAbilities are sharing personal stories this week that show how inclusion strengthens our culture and our business.

Our Disability Inclusion Guidelines, refreshed this year with input from our Business and Employee Resource Groups, are another powerful resource. Available in 14 languages and in accessible formats, they offer simple, practical ways to make our workplaces more inclusive-from language and communication to recruitment and digital accessibility.

We’re also seeing disability inclusion come to life through our business and community programmes. In Kenya, the DigiBility programme has supported 36 students through digital marketing training, resulting in 25 graduates and six internships. Diageo Business Services India partnered with the Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities to train and place 85 learners through a nine-month residential programme. Initiatives like these are helping remove barriers and open doors for people with disabilities in our communities.

For the fourth-year running, our offices and sites across the world are also lighting up purple to celebrate the #PositivelyPurple campaign — a global moment that shines a light on the power of inclusion and accessibility.