In a world where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the cornerstone of progress, it is imperative that organizations champion the cause of inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, Splunk stands firm in its commitment to promoting equitable opportunities and fostering an environment that embraces the unique capabilities of all its employees and its customers.
The History of NDEAM
Sometimes it’s helpful to know where we started in order to see how far we’ve come. Initially established in 1945 to advocate for the employment needs of individuals with disabilities, it has evolved into a month-long celebration that emphasizes the value of diversity and equal opportunities. The year’s NDEAM theme is, "Advancing Access and Equity," which resonates deeply within Splunk's culture of inclusivity and is being fully embraced by Splunk Disabilities Employee Resource Group (Disabled=True) with inclusive activities, awareness, microlearning, and community involvement.
NDEAM – and Beyond – at Splunk
With the core belief that every individual deserves an equal chance to succeed, Splunk not only honors NDEAM with learning and events, but works year-round to advocate for and educate employees about the value of honoring the unique skills and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. A crucial component of this commitment is the emphasis on raising employee awareness about the scope of disabilities – helping everyone recognize that disability is a natural part of the human experience. If we don’t work towards advancing equity and access in the workplace, it’s almost impossible for our community to work safely and authentically together.
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Splunk Education & Certification
A more educated and inclusive workforce also translates into a more inclusive learning environment. From accessible learning materials presented in multiple formats to providing reasonable accommodations for certification exams, we are dedicated to ensuring that every employee, learner, and customer, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to learn and grow with Splunk. Employee awareness about the scope of disabilities and the learning experience of people with disabilities have led to the following offerings:
Accessible Learning Materials: Splunk strives to make its educational materials, including documentation, videos, and training courses, accessible to learners with disabilities. This includes providing content in multiple formats, such as text, audio, and video, with proper captions and transcriptions in multiple languages.
Reasonable Accommodations: Splunk partners with Pearson Vue to offer reasonable accommodations to disabled learners looking to gain certifications. These accommodations might include extended time for exams, special software or hardware, or personalized support. Please review our policy to see if you're eligible for any special accommodations when taking an exam. (See page 9 of the Splunk Certification Candidate Handbook for more information.)
Web Accessibility: Our online learning platform, STEP/Cornerstone SBX, follows the highest accessibility standards, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, so that users with disabilities can navigate and interact with them effectively.
Training for Instructors and Staff: We provide training to instructors and staff members to ensure they are knowledgeable about accessibility best practices and can assist disabled learners effectively – fostering the Splunk culture of diversity and inclusion that encourages participation and learning for all.
Feedback: Splunk encourages learners to report accessibility issues or provide suggestions for improvement through feedback/surveys, to support continuous improvement and more accessible learning.
Please join us as we celebrate NDEAM this October and continue to champion inclusivity and diversity within the community. Splunk remains dedicated to fostering a community and work environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and share their unique point of view.
– Alexandria Mitchell and Callie Skokos on behalf of the Splunk Education Crew
