More than one billion people worldwide are currently living with a disability – and I’m one of them. But that’s not the only thing you should know about me.

My name is Dev, and I’m an IT professional who recently transitioned from Accenture India to Avanade UK. I’m originally from Chennai, India, but I now reside in London. I have two daughters, I’m passionate about cycling (I can effortlessly cycle 10 kilometers in a single ride!) and I love to sing.

I also have a permanent disability in my left lower limb that affects my mobility. Since my disability is physical, it’s readily apparent to people who meet me in person.

There have been times when people have doubted me because of my disability. I started my career in sales, and some people wondered whether I’d be able to handle the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the sales industry. They were quickly astonished when a few years into the job, I had opened more than 500 accounts in the region – a feat that had never been accomplished before – and beat out hundreds of people for a sales contest to go to Mumbai. That success continued as I was identified for a management position, and continually given more opportunities as my career developed.

Later, when I joined Accenture, I unleashed my potential in a true sense. Not only was I able to expand my learning scope on the Avanade Europe Business Operations project, but I also found an environment of equal opportunity that celebrates diversity. I’ve connected with other people with a disability and learned so much listening to their stories. For instance, I am now more aware of invisible disabilities – the kind that aren’t readily apparent when you look at a person – and try to be conscious that you might not always know right away when someone has disability.

When I started at Avanade, I admit that I wondered whether I would have as good of an experience as I had at Accenture when it comes to disability inclusion. I was happy to discover that Avanade’s commitment to inclusivity – combined with its comprehensive disability policies – have created an environment where I feel not only accommodated, but also empowered to contribute my best possible work. I continue to perform at the peak of my abilities in my assigned role, leveraging support structures in place like DiversAbility, the disability-focused employee network, as well as the accessible workstation and products provided by the company. As I navigate this new chapter, I am optimistic about maintaining the same level of success I achieved at Accenture. I’m equally optimistic about the skills and innovation that people with disabilities can provide for organizations like Avanade. We’re developing technology in this business, and we’re not just developing for able-bodied people – we’re developing for the entire world. If someone can’t use your technology, then what’s the point? People with disabilities are not only skilled workers, but they bring in perspective that’s vital for creating products and services that truly serve everyone. It’s crucial that companies provide equal opportunities for them to do their best work. My journey exemplifies how thoughtful disabilities policies, like those at Avanade, can create an inclusive workplace where individuals with diverse abilities can thrive. I look forward to making significant contributions to my team and organization while inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Celebrating one billion reasons to do what matters on International Day of Persons with Disabilities