If you spend any time reading the news or online publications, you have probably seen the term “unprecedented” about a thousand times since March. While there are a few other words to describe the year, unprecedented probably is the most accurate.

Many of us are starting to feel like we have lived through an entire decade in the past year alone, taking into consideration the pandemic, social unrest, and natural disasters, to name a few. But while there were many challenges this year, there were just as many lessons to take out of them.

There are Still Many Steps to Take Toward Equality

At Applied Development, we believe in fair and equal treatment. This year’s civil unrest and the response to that unrest has shown that we still have a long way to go to reach equality, especially for minorities, people of color, women, and those with diversabilities (diverse abilities).

Our mission here is to champion the rights of people of all abilities to work and communicate effectively. It is important to us to help level the playing field and create a world where people have equal access and equal rights. In 2021, we plan to continue our mission by branching out our services to include more diversity and inclusion training.

Over the course of the next year, we will be incorporating the following subjects to our offerings for the diversability community:

  • Disability Etiquette
  • Reasonable Accommodations
  • Bullying in the Workplace Prevention and Response

In addition, we will be adding an offering called “The World Café.” This will be a safe place to discuss and expand upon race relations. Creating these spaces for conversation is important work and we are proud to be a part of it.

Connection is Critical

The pandemic has made connection more difficult than usual for people everywhere. Lockdowns and self-quarantines have resulted in a lot more time alone, which has been challenging for people who are used to large gatherings or even just being able to regularly see friends and family.

Individuals with diversabilities often require help with communicating and connecting with the world around them, since most places are built for those who are fully abled. One big takeaway from this year and the increased isolation is that daily connection needs to be easier to access for all people, regardless of ability.

Our diversability services help people to connect, communicate, and work as effectively as possible. We take great pride in the work that we do and in how that helps others to connect to the world around them.

Applied Development Looks to 2021

As we wrap up this year, we know that there is one thing that all businesses need to be in the year ahead: flexible. We plan to continue to deliver what our clients need and to take COVID-19 into consideration as we develop strategies and solutions for businesses across the country.

If you are looking for a business consultant or partner who can help with diversability initiatives or improved communication, reach out to Applied Development today at 410.571.4016 or contact us online.

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