Thursday, 6 March 2025 | 15:40 - 16:20

The Business Case for Disability-Driven Innovation

Format:In-personLocation:Fireside ChatTrack:Livestreamed

Innovation thrives when accessibility is at the core. In this fireside chat, Mike Hess, Founder & Executive Director of Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), and Sarah Mark, PwD Workforce Development Program Director from Salesforce, will explore how disability inclusion drives success, innovation, and workforce transformation.

BIT and Salesforce have built a powerful partnership together, demonstrating how inclusive hiring and accessible technology enhances business performance while creating meaningful opportunities for professionals with disabilities. From talent acquisition to digital accessibility, this conversation will explore how investing in accessibility creates opportunities and benefits businesses.

Key takeaways include:

✔ How BIT and Salesforce have created a sustainable, scalable model for workforce inclusion.

✔ Why companies that prioritize accessibility gain a competitive advantage.

✔ Practical steps for organizations looking to embrace disability-driven innovation in hiring, culture, and technology.

Join us for an engaging discussion that pushes inclusive-oriented thinking forward, fosters progressive mindsets, and showcases the ROI of accessibility—demonstrating that when businesses remove barriers, they unlock untapped talent, innovation, and long-term success.

4 speakers

  • Mike Hess

    Founder & Executive Director

    Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)

  • Robert LUDKE

    Co-Founder, Value Inclusion, LLC

    Value Inclusion, LLC

  • Sarah Mark

    Director of Workforce Development for People with Disabilities

    Salesforce

  • Diego Mariscal

    Founder and CEO

    2Gether-International