D2L, a global leader in learning technology, today announced that the Valuable 500, the world’s largest collective of CEOs dedicated to disability inclusion, has selected D2L Brightspace as its Learning Platform. Valuable 500 brings together global business leaders committed to ending disability exclusion across the business landscape.
“Disability inclusion has been missing from leadership agendas for too long, and data on disability is often left out of reports and indices, which means it’s overlooked in performance assessments,” said Katy Talikowska, Valuable 500 CEO. “People with disabilities are also significantly underrepresented in media and advertising, and much of the content remains inaccessible to the diverse audiences in this community. We’re determined to break down these systemic barriers once and for all, with the backing of over 500 partners all working towards the same goal.”
Valuable 500 partners can help move this mission forward by taking part in the Generation Valuable programme, launching later this year. The initiative pairs experienced executives with emerging disabled leaders for six months of reciprocal mentoring and learning. It aims to advance inclusive leadership skills that are crucial for today’s diverse workplaces, while also giving disabled leaders the chance to grow their professional networks across industries. The programme is open to Valuable 500 partners and other large organisations with over 1,000 employees.
D2L Brightspace will play a key role in Generation Valuable, offering an accessible and inclusive Learning Platform for all participants. After a thorough evaluation, D2L was selected for its strong commitment to accessibility and its ability to create engaging, user-friendly learning environments.
“By giving underrepresented voices a platform and making disability inclusion a core part of leadership, Generation Valuable participants are shaping the future of inclusive leadership,” said Sarah Clements, Head of Inclusive Leadership at the Valuable 500. “We piloted the programme on a different platform in 2023, but this time we needed a provider with superior accessibility features and long-term potential. So far, D2L has exceeded our expectations, and its supportive team has gone above and beyond. The accessibility and collaboration tools within D2L’s platform align with our vision, levelling the playing field for all participants.”
The implementation of D2L Brightspace is already underway, with three Generation Valuable cohorts planned over the next year. The programme will culminate in SYNC25, the world’s first disability accountability summit, to be held in Tokyo. This landmark event will bring together CEOs, C-suite leaders, emerging leaders and representatives from the global disability community to review progress, set new goals and continue advancing disability inclusion in business.
“SYNC25 will be a pivotal moment for us – it marks the start of a decade of accountability for our partners,” said Katy Talikowska. “With everyone pulling in the same direction, we can drive real, lasting change. At the summit, we’ll invite companies to share what they’ve learned from Generation Valuable, including both successes and challenges.”
D2L Brightspace’s accessibility features include automated captions on recorded content and compatibility with a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, helping learners access materials without barriers. The platform’s learning analytics also provide valuable insights into individual strengths and areas for improvement, creating truly personalised experiences that reflect the diverse abilities of learners.
“We’re dedicated to delivering learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners,” said Stewart Watts, Senior Vice President, EMEA and APAC at D2L. “The Valuable 500 is leading the way in advancing disability inclusion in business, and we’re proud to support them in this vital work. This partnership is testament to our ongoing commitment to creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
ABOUT VALUABLE 500
Valuable 500 is the global organisation of over 500 partners and companies working together to end disability exclusion. Unified in our purpose to accelerate inclusion for the one in five people living with a disability, we transform business systems to transform society.
By engaging with the world’s most influential business leaders and brands, the Valuable 500 now has a market cap of over $23 trillion and combined revenues of over $8 trillion and employs a staggering 22 million people worldwide.
We drive change through Synchronised Collective Action. Channelling the power of over 500 partners and companies working in harmony – moving in the same direction, at the same time, against the same system barrier.
We hold our partners and companies to account in taking action in three key areas:
- Leadership, by putting disability inclusion on the leadership agenda
- Reporting, by tackling the disability data gap to create business accountability
- Representation, by ensuring that people with disability are represented authentically and participate at every stage of the process.
Valuable 500 is working towards SYNC25, the world’s first Accountability Summit on disability inclusion. The summit will mark the start of a decade of accountability for our partners and companies, bringing together Valuable 500 CEOs, C-suite leaders, next-generation leaders, and representatives from the global disability community to review progress, set agendas, and accelerate inclusion for the one in five people living with a disability worldwide.
Valuable 500 won’t stop until everyone is seen and valued equally. With the support of iconic partners, we are accelerating change and creating a new standard of inclusion in business.
ABOUT D2L
D2L is transforming the way the world learns – helping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with clients all over the world, D2L is supporting millions of people learning online and in person. Our growing global workforce is dedicated to making the best learning products to leave the world better than they found it.
Learn more about D2L at https://www.d2l.com/
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