This deck provides an overview of a model for engaging with people with disabilities for business, management and leadership success. This is achieved through marketing communications, writing & content development, public relations and media relations, crisis & issues management, and strategic planning.

1. The Intersection of
Business, Disability & Communication
Leadership | Strategy |Execution

2. Where We Are
• 57 million people in the U.S. have a disability*
• 17.5% of people with a disability are
working/employed**
• 15% of those who are working are self-
employed*
• Workers with a disability are more likely to be
self-employed than those with no disability.**
*U.S. Census
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

3. Where We Are
• Workforce Communication
– Improve communication to
employees with disabilities
– Educate managers & employees
without disabilities
– Reduce exposure to litigation &
claims

4. Where We Are
• Crisis & Issues Management
– Identify issues & vulnerabilities in
advance
– Prepare and respond with
credibility
– Prevent & minimized reputational
damage

5. Where We Are
• Marketing Communications
– Market to people with
disabilities
– Partner and align with causes
serving people with disabilities
– Create Halo effect

6. Where We Are
• Public & Media Relations
– Showcase good citizenship
– Incorporate disability stories into
your narrative
– Enhance reputation on disability
& inclusiveness

7. Where We Are
• Writing & Content Development
– Understand “People-first
Language”
– Avoid common pitfalls
– Integrate thinking into culture

8. Where We’re Headed

9. Where We’re Headed

10. The Intersection
Business
Communication
Disability
Solutions

11. Solutions Model
• Start with “People-first” language in all
content, conduct audits, style guides
• Inclusive presence visually
• Internal awareness
• Marketing & social media function awareness
• Outreach & partnerships
• Issues & crisis planning

12. About O’Brien Communications
• Founded by Tim O’Brien, APR in 2001
• 30-year communications & IR veteran
• Corporate Communications focus Clients
range from start-ups & nonprofits to Fortune
100
• Certified Disability-owned Business*
• Certified Small Diverse Business Enterprise**
*USBLN
**Pennsylvania Department of General Services

13. Contact
Tim O’Brien, APR
412.854.8845
OBrienCommunications.com
timobrien@timobrienpr.com