Supplier Diversity: A Strategic Tool for Disability Inclusion

10/13/2025

Supplier Diversity: A Strategic Tool for Disability Inclusion

By Meaghan Walls

Supplier diversity isn’t just a feel-good or marketing initiative—it’s a strategic business lever. When done well, it fuels innovation, strengthens communities, and aligns your vendor procurement with your company’s values and goals.
As with any business strategy, clarity matters. How does your company define “supplier diversity”—both in intention and in action?
Does your company’s mission or vision reflect a commitment like these?

“Create real opportunities for underrepresented businesses to add innovation, quality, and value as we design and deliver solutions to our customers globally.” – Kelly Services
“We value our small and diverse partners for the expertise they bring to projects and contributions to our teams. Our approach goes beyond minimum contract requirements—we’re committed to sustainable business practices and the betterment of our communities, economy, and environment.” – HDR
“To revolutionize financial services by building teams that represent the full spectrum of human experience. We prioritize supplier diversity and community investment to drive equitable outcomes.” – Financial Equity Partners

Do your company’s actions reflect that level of intention?

When they do, the business benefits are real. In its 2023 Economic Impact Report, Supplier.io found that $1.28B was spent on small and diverse-owned businesses in one year—resulting in a 180% ROI for the communities where that money was invested.

The 2024 State of Supplier Diversity Report by Supplier.io—based on insights from over 350 supplier diversity professionals—highlighted that supplier diversity is increasingly linked to executive priorities and viewed as a driver of brand strength, talent strategy, and competitive advantage.

Yet disability remains an underutilized aspect of supplier diversity.

Many companies still frame supplier diversity primarily through ownership and identity categories, overlooking the strategic impact of disability-owned businesses. But integrating disability into your supplier diversity efforts opens up new pathways to business performance, retention, and workplace inclusion.

Three Ways to Advance Disability Inclusion Through Supplier Diversity

Engage Disability-Owned Businesses (DOBEs)
Proactively seek out and include DOBEs in your supply chain—especially as contracts come up for renewal. These businesses offer competitive solutions for corporate gifting (e.g., John’s Crazy Socks, MaxMix), marketing and branding (e.g., Sharpmill), and employee mental wellness (e.g., PeakMind).
Partner with Disability-Inclusive Employers
Some businesses, while not disability-owned, exemplify best practices in disability-inclusive hiring. Supporting these companies (e.g., Golden Scoop, Bitty & Beau’s, Enterprise Car Rental) reinforces your values and expands inclusion through your spending choices.
Invest in Vendors That Support Your Disability Inclusion Goals
Leverage vendors whose products or services directly improve workplace accessibility, inclusion, and engagement—such as AudioEye, Aira, Be My Eyes, or Innocaption.

What the Data Says

A 2024 study by Goodman et al. revealed that only 38% of Fortune 500 companies include disability-owned businesses in their supplier diversity efforts. Among the top 100 companies, that figure rose to 89%—a significant increase from 2005, but still far from full inclusion.

CDI’s Role: Driving Practical Progress

At the Center for Disability Inclusion, we work hands-on with businesses to identify actionable ways to integrate disability into supplier diversity strategies. These efforts signal to stakeholders that your company doesn’t just talk about inclusion—it operationalizes it.

At our most recent Disability Inclusion Summit, we hosted a vendor showcase featuring five businesses that were either disability-owned or had a disability-centric product or service. Each had just seven minutes to share their story with our hybrid audience—and in that short time, created real interest and opportunities for partnership.

These vendors showcased practical solutions for corporate gifting, employee wellness, and accessibility—proving that disability-inclusive procurement isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic advantage.

Want to Build a Disability Supplier List?

Start by asking your employees. Around 29% of the workforce experiences disability—and many more are connected to someone who does. You might be surprised by the businesses they already support that align with your goals.

We’ve also begun building a curated Disability Supplier Diversity Vendor List with input from trusted partners, allies, and community members. Have a business to recommend? We invite you to contribute.

If you’re a business owner yourself, ask: Are your products or services inclusive of the disability community? If not, you may be leaving significant market share—and impact—on the table.

We Can Help

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