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Different Doesn’t Mean Less: Real Inclusion in the Workplace

Updated: Sep 30

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—a time to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace and take a hard look at how we’re doing on inclusion.


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At Creative Ascension Strategies, we believe in saying it straight: working differently doesn’t mean working less. From Autism to ADHD, PTSD to chronic pain, there are countless “hidden” disabilities shaping the workforce. And when businesses stop treating differences like deficits, they unlock creativity, loyalty, and resilience that can’t be faked.


This isn’t abstract for us. Our founder, Colby, lives with CPTSD and is open with her team about how it shows up at work. That means talking about triggers, being upfront about needs, and helping each other stay effective. We keep an open dialogue, because inclusion isn’t a policy—it’s a practice. And it goes hand in hand with something we say often: we enjoy what we do, and that’s why we’re so good at it.


Why Disability Inclusion Strengthens Teams

  • Autism at Work: Employees on the spectrum often excel in structured environments, bringing valuable skills in problem-solving, attention to detail, and creative thinking. (HelpGuide)

  • ADHD in the Workplace: Adults with ADHD thrive when given flexibility and tools for focus, contributing fresh ideas, drive, and momentum to projects. (CHADD)

  • PTSD in the Workplace: Colleagues with PTSD bring resilience and empathy, especially when supported by trauma-informed leadership and a culture of psychological safety. (Harvard)

  • Other Hidden Disabilities: Conditions like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or dyslexia may be invisible, but they’re powerful in shaping perspective. Simple accommodations—like flexible scheduling or adaptive tools—unlock full potential.


Disability Etiquette = Everyday Respect

AskEARN says it best:

  • Ask before helping.

  • Speak directly to the person.

  • Respect preferred language.

  • Treat adults as adults.

  • Make accessibility a standard part of planning.


Beyond October

NDEAM is the reminder. But inclusion should be an everyday choice—something baked into hiring practices, team culture, and leadership decisions. Because different doesn’t mean less. It means we’re building stronger, smarter, more human workplaces.


👉 Resources worth bookmarking:


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Creative Ascension Strategies is a US-based strategic consulting firm dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to achieve their full potential. We combine our expertise in internal operations (mobile app creation, workflow optimization, project & program management) and public branding (brand management, social media management & strategy) to help our clients secure market share, optimize operations, and build a strong brand presence.


Whether you're looking to streamline processes, develop a winning mobile app, or elevate your social media strategy, we have the tools and experience to help you ascend further in your business domain. Ready to unlock your growth potential? Explore our Success Stories showcasing how we've helped other SMBs achieve remarkable results

 
 
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