Identifying and Reducing Disability Implicit and Explicit Bias within Your Organization

Presentation Overview

Bias toward people with disabilities often exists in subtle and unintentional ways, influencing hiring decisions, workplace culture, leadership opportunities, customer interactions, policy development, and organizational decision-making. While explicit discrimination has become less socially acceptable, implicit bias and systemic ableism continue to create barriers that limit inclusion and belonging for employees, students, clients, and community members with disabilities.

In this engaging and evidence-based presentation, Dr. Davi Kallman explores the differences between implicit and explicit bias, examines how ableism manifests within organizations, and provides practical strategies for recognizing and reducing disability bias at both the individual and organizational levels. Participants will explore current research, reflect on unconscious assumptions, and learn how inclusive policies, communication, and leadership practices can create environments where people with disabilities are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Rather than focusing solely on awareness, this presentation emphasizes meaningful organizational change by providing participants with practical tools they can immediately implement to foster equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

  • Differentiate between implicit bias, explicit bias, and systemic ableism.
  • Recognize how disability bias influences workplace culture, decision-making, leadership, hiring, and employee experiences.
  • Identify common stereotypes and misconceptions that contribute to disability discrimination.
  • Examine how organizational policies, practices, and communication can unintentionally reinforce barriers.
  • Learn evidence-based strategies for reducing disability bias through inclusive leadership and organizational change.
  • Develop communication techniques that promote respect, accessibility, and belonging.
  • Leave with actionable tools for building a workplace culture where employees with disabilities can thrive.

Ideal Audience

This presentation is designed for:

  • Executive leadership teams
  • Human resources professionals
  • Hiring managers and supervisors
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) professionals
  • Employee resource groups (ERGs)
  • Government agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Student affairs professionals
  • Health care organizations
  • Corporate leadership teams
  • Professional associations
  • Anyone responsible for shaping organizational culture and improving workplace inclusion

Length Options

30-Minute Session

A dynamic keynote introducing disability bias, ableism, and practical strategies for creating more inclusive organizational cultures.

60-Minute Workshop

A research-informed presentation combining current evidence, real-world examples, and practical strategies for identifying and reducing disability bias across policies, communication, leadership, and organizational systems.

90-Minute Interactive Workshop

An engaging session featuring self-reflection activities, case studies, group discussion, and organizational scenarios that help participants recognize bias and develop actionable solutions for creating more inclusive workplaces.

Half-Day Professional Development

A comprehensive training focused on identifying implicit and explicit disability bias, evaluating organizational practices, strengthening inclusive leadership, improving communication, and developing sustainable action plans to foster accessibility, belonging, and equity throughout the organization.

Custom keynote, conference, executive leadership, human resources, healthcare, higher education, and organizational development sessions are available upon request.

Book This Presentation

Interested in bringing Identifying and Reducing Disability Implicit and Explicit Bias within Your Organization to your organization or event?

Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, HR training, employee development program, conference keynote, campus workshop, or organizational learning initiative, this presentation can be customized to meet the unique goals and challenges of your audience.

Book this presentation today by visiting the Contact page. Together, we can identify barriers, reduce disability bias, and create organizational cultures where accessibility, equity, and belonging are woven into every aspect of the employee and community experience.