Peter Roberts
Chief Executive Officer, Americas
Jones Lang LaSalle
One interesting note – I have received two business cards in Davos with Braille printing in addition to the standard printing. I asked one of the cardholders, the CEO of S.C. Johnson, why his card was imprinted with Braille. He replied: “We believe strongly in diversity and inclusion. These business cards are simply one way of communicating that commitment.” His response really made me think. What a simple yet powerful way to communicate a commitment to providing opportunities for all people.
There are more than 3-1/2 million Americans who are either legally blind or visually impaired, but only about 10% read Braille. Voice-recognition technology is the main reason for that. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for blind adults in the U.S. is 70%, representing a large untapped labor market. For organizations willing to invest in the accommodations necessary for this talent to be productive, it’s a big opportunity.
This is a great initiative. As you said, a simple and powerful way to communicate their committment. In fact, hope that more of these initiatives percolate into India as well which has the largest population of visually challenged people in the world (15 million).
A few NGOs like Esha have taken the first step in making not only Visiting Cards, but Braille enabled Greeting Cards and Tactile Maps as well. And as David mentioned, slowly but surely the times are changing.
Thought-provoking. China might not be ready for this initiative, but this help open our eyes of how to communicate a commitment…
Interesting observation – I was chatting with the CEO of Link REIT at a social function earlier this month and he gave me his new business card which was also imprinted with Braille. At another event, someone took my card and used a mobile Cardscan App to scan it into their phone address book and then gave the card back – in the interest of the environment and saving paper. The latter may challenge some cultural norms at present, but times are certainly changing.
Such a great point.