Vildana Praljak: How brands and agencies may be excluding the best and brightest creative talent – and what to do about it
Tomorrow December 3 is International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD). It’s a chance for brands and agencies to reflect on the barriers they may unknowingly perpetuate. This year’s theme—“amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”—underscores a pressing reality: outdated systems, inaccessible tools, and narrow mindsets are sidelining some of the most innovative minds. Vildana Praljak (pictured above), Vision Australia’s National Employment Manager and someone who is legally blind, argues that hiring people with disabilities isn’t an act of charity—it’s a competitive advantage. In this piece, Praljak shares how fostering accessibility can unlock untapped talent and transform the creative landscape.
Tuesday December 3 is International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD). For some this may mean something and for others, it may not. Either way, this day is only growing in momentum and is demanding more brands and agencies to take notice.
This year’s theme for IDPwD “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” highlights an undeniable truth: organisations are falling short. And if the devices and systems they use – from workplace platforms to communication channels – aren’t accessible, they’re inadvertently excluding brilliant talent while missing out on the innovation that diversity creates.
The Talent You’re Overlooking
As Vision Australia’s head of employment and as someone who is legally blind, I know that people with disability are incredibly underrepresented in the workforce and in leadership positions. For example, only 24% of people* who are blind or have low vision in Australia are in full-time employment.
And for people living with a disability and working in creative fields, this is even less so.
Here’s the thing – hiring people with disabilities isn’t charity: it’s a competitive advantage.
Employees with disabilities don’t just “fit in”; they transform workplaces. Their unique perspectives and problem-solving skills often lead to the most innovative, boundary-pushing ideas.
Take my colleague, our in-house graphic designer and creative lead. Despite being partially deaf and living with low vision, she produces outstanding visual assets. Her experiences sharpen her creativity, bringing fresh perspectives to otherwise stagnant concepts.
Choosing not to hire someone like her—or anyone with a disability—is a huge mistake. People who navigate challenges daily are naturally innovative thinkers, and in creative industries, that’s pure gold.
Steps To Inclusion: More Than Just Talk
Want to tap into this talent? Here’s how to start:
- 1. Be Open-Minded: Start by fostering open conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask respectful questions to better understand a candidate’s needs and abilities. Avoid assumptions or stereotypes, and create an environment where curiosity leads to inclusivity. This openness can uncover talents and skills you never expected.
- 2. Take Action: Accessibility begins with your tools and communication. For instance, Vision Australia research shows that nearly 60% of blind or low vision respondents** struggle to use websites and apps effectively.
Simple changes can make a huge difference:
- • Alt-text: Ensure all images in your presentations, ads, or communications include descriptive alt-text for screen readers.
- • Color Contrast: Use strong, contrasting colors to improve visibility for people with low vision.
- • Accessible Platforms: Evaluate your internal systems—like e-learning platforms and communication tools—to ensure they work for everyone.
Digital accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a crucial part of any brand or agency’s digital footprint if they want to secure the best and brightest talent, as well as reaching all potential customers.
We know that what is good for someone with a disability is good for all; and this rings true with digital accessibility.
*Vision Australia, EY Sweeney, 2021 Employer Attitude Survey
**Vision Australia, 2022 Digital Assistive Technology and Accessibility Report
Vision Australia’s digital access team are global leaders in accessibility, delivering training, auditing and design solutions for brands and agencies of any size.
Vision Australia has recently launched paid, on-demand courses for professionals, alongside their free courses and webinars. For more information, visit: https://www.digitalaccesstraining.com/