When (your) inclusion is part of your job: exploring “professional” disability advocacy

Purpose The article explores two types of professional disability advocacy at work by employees with disabilities: (1) being an official disability representative and (2) being a disability inclusion specialist. Design/methodology/approach We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews and used thematic analysis to explore common and distinct themes of disability advocacy between representatives and inclusion specialists. Findings We find that both groups differed, especially regarding the form and impact of their advocacy. Representatives emphasized networking and internal advocacy. Inclusion specialists were more concerned with their role model function and their impact for person with disabilities outside their organizations. Originality/value The analysis of different roles of disability advocacy within organizations has only been partially explored. In particular, research on the role of disability representatives, i.e., employees legally mandated (and elected) to represent disability issues at work, is scarce. We have taken a step to illuminate this aspect.