The business process outsourcing firm Foundever has expanded its disability inclusion program, launching a voluntary Self-ID system that allows employees to confidentially share disability and other identity information, alongside nationwide learning sessions marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The initiatives aim to better address workplace barriers and support employees with disabilities.
The move comes as data show low workforce participation among Filipinos with disabilities (PWDs). In 2022, an estimated 1.9 million working-age PWDs lived in the Philippines, but only about 353,000 were employed—fewer than one in five. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) figures show limited representation across sectors, with manufacturing, education, and trade employing the largest shares. Government employment data similarly indicate PWDs make up less than 0.5 percent of civil servants.
Foundever’s Disability at Foundever employee resource group, launched in the Philippines in early 2024, has engaged thousands of employees through workshops and a national summit sharing personal experiences and discussing accessibility challenges. Leaders said the Self-ID tool will inform accommodations and strengthen inclusion programs, helping ensure employees with disabilities are supported and recognized.
The company’s efforts reinforce its broader focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, addressing a critical gap in the workforce and fostering a workplace where PWDs can thrive.
