The director of the ILR School's Employment and Disability Institute is lead author on the employment and work chapter of the first world report on disability, published in June by the World Health Organization and the World Bank.

Susanne Bruyère, who is also ILR's associate dean of outreach, said the report's authors hope it will raise awareness, build political will and set an agenda leading to equal rights for people with disabilities.

About 15 in every 100 persons worldwide -- some 785 million people -- have a disability, she said.

"Employers play a huge role, nationally and internationally, in helping close gaps faced by people with disabilities. Hiring people with disabilities and helping employees who become disabled return to their jobs are critical components of an inclusive world society," Bruyère said.

The employment chapter recommends employers develop partnerships with local employment agencies, educational institutions and other organizations to build a skilled workforce that includes people with disabilities.

It also recommends that all supervisors and human resource personnel be familiarized with requirements for accommodation and nondiscrimination.

Mary Catt is assistant director of communications at the ILR School.