People with disabilities represent a diverse group with a wide range of needs, and some of these are not easy to see. Disparities abound in this population, from access to health care to education and employment. Many people with disabilities also have underlying health needs that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often left out of the \u2018diversity and inclusion\u2019 conversation.<\/em><\/p>\n The World Health Organization<\/a> estimates there are over 1 billion people — about 15% of the global population — who experience some form of disability, and this number is increasing.\u00a0Almost everyone will be permanently or temporarily impaired at some point in their life.<\/p>\n December 3 is the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” a day of observance for people who live with some form of disability, proclaimed by the United Nations<\/a> in 1992. All people should be valued for their unique talents and abilities. Watch the following videos to learn more about disability.<\/p>\n Disability is still a barrier to employment for millions of people \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Drawing on her own experience in the medical profession, Hannah Barham-Brown argues that people with disabilities are an asset more employers need to harness. Hannah Barham-Brown is a doctor, disability advocate and member of the British Medical Association Council. In 2018, she was named one of the UK\u2019s 100 most influential disabled people on the Shaw Trust\u2019s Disability Power 100 List for her work in medicine, politics and the media. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\nDisability and Work: Let\u2019s Stop Wasting Talent<\/h3>\n