Our services
Disability inclusion that goes past the ramp at the entrance.
Level Ground
Companies talk about diversity. Fewer address disability specifically. The gap shows up in the numbers: employment rate of people with disabilities in Belgium hovers around 35%, compared to 67% for the general population (Statbel, 2023). A disability inclusion consultant from Bleen addresses this gap with structured diagnostics, practical policies, and measurable targets.
Key Takeaways
- Accessibility audit: physical premises, digital tools, internal processes, and communication channels
- Reasonable accommodation policy: legal framework, decision process, budget allocation, and manager guidance
- Hiring process review: job descriptions, recruitment channels, selection procedures, and onboarding for candidates with disabilities
- Retention and career development: workplace adjustments, mentoring, performance evaluation adaptations
- ESRS S1 disability disclosures: headcount data, policy documentation, and narrative sections for CSRD reporting
What your disability inclusion consultant covers
Accessibility audit. Physical access (premises, workstations, common areas), digital access (intranet, tools, communication platforms), and process access (meeting formats, training materials, emergency procedures). The consultant maps barriers and produces a prioritized remediation plan.
Policy development. Reasonable accommodation policies that comply with Belgian federal and regional frameworks, EU accessibility directives, and UN CRPD principles. The consultant drafts the policy, defines the decision process, and trains managers on implementation.
Hiring and recruitment review. Job descriptions that don't inadvertently exclude. Recruitment channels that reach candidates with disabilities. Selection procedures that assess capability, not conformity. Onboarding processes that address accommodation needs from day one.
Retention support. Workplace adjustments for existing employees, return-to-work protocols after medical leave, career development pathways that account for disability-related needs. The consultant works with HR and line managers on practical solutions.
Regulatory compliance. ESRS S1 requires disclosure on disability employment data. Belgian quota systems (regional variations) impose specific reporting. The consultant handles data collection and narrative production for both.
Why a specialized disability consultant
Disability inclusion requires specific expertise. General DEI consultants often treat disability as a sub-category of diversity. The legal frameworks, accommodation logistics, and accessibility standards are distinct fields that require dedicated knowledge.
Legal obligations are increasing. The European Accessibility Act (2025), CSRD disability disclosures, and Belgian regional quota systems all create reporting and compliance requirements that a generalist approach won't cover.
The talent pool is larger than you think. 15% of the working-age population in Belgium has a disability (SPF Economie). Companies with structured inclusion programs access candidates their competitors don't reach.
Accommodation costs less than turnover. The average cost of a workplace accommodation is under 500 EUR (Job Accommodation Network data). The average cost of replacing an employee is 6 to 9 months of salary. The math is simple.
How the engagement works
Audit phase (3 to 6 weeks). Accessibility audit (physical, digital, process), workforce data analysis, policy review, and stakeholder interviews. Deliverable: diagnostic report with scored findings and prioritized action plan.
Policy and training phase (4 to 8 weeks). Drafting accommodation policy, updating recruitment processes, training HR teams and line managers. Deliverable: policy documents, training materials, and manager toolkit.
Implementation support (3 to 12 months). Monitoring accommodation requests, tracking employment data, supporting specific cases, and reporting on progress.
Typical format: 2 to 3 days per week during audit and policy phases. 1 day per week during implementation. Annual review for regulatory reporting.
Start with an accessibility audit
Tell us about your organization size, sector, and current inclusion practices. We scope the audit and assign a consultant.