The Ethiopian Business and Disability Network (EBDN), established in 2015, is a National Network that includes companies and other employers as its members. The Network is open to all public and private companies and organizations in Ethiopia and presently has 32 members. Member benefits include: disability accessibility audits, disability awareness training for personnel, publications on how to become a “disability confident” company or organization, guidance on how to prepare a disability inclusive business plan, how to adapt products and services to the needs of customers with disabilities, and public recognition of disability inclusive business practices. EBDN became a member of the ILO Global Business and Disability Network in 2016.
EBDN is organizing an annual "Disability Inclusive Employer Award" program. The Award will recognize public and private companies and commercial enterprises which are practicing disability inclusive employment by creating disability inclusive and accessible workplaces, putting in place a disability inclusion policy, developing a workforce culture that is respectful and inclusive, and promoting the hiring, retention and professional development of women and men with disabilities.
Job Requirement
Public and private companies and organizations which are interested and engaged in disability inclusive employment practices are highly encouraged to compete for an Award by completing the Award Nomination Form that describes their disability inclusive employment policies, procedures and practices.
Workers with disabilities are also highly encouraged to nominate their employers or other employers who are practicing disability inclusive employment and workplaces.
An independent panel of Disability Inclusive Employment experts will evaluate the nominations based on predetermined criteria and will select the top three winners in each category. EBDN will organize a public event to recognize the nine winners in the presence of various invited guests and other dignitaries.