Imagine a world where differences are celebrated, not hidden. That’s the vision behind the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and this year, ING is shifting its focus from orange to purple to spotlight the experiences of our colleagues living with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions. But here’s where it gets personal: these stories aren’t just about challenges—they’re about resilience, innovation, and the power of inclusivity.
On December 3rd, we’re invited to pause, listen, and learn from the diverse journeys of our colleagues, both within and beyond the workplace. Some disabilities are visible, while others remain unseen, but each story deserves to be heard with curiosity, empathy, and an open mind. This is the part most people miss: understanding these experiences isn’t just about awareness—it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Enter Through My Lens, a four-part series where ING colleagues share, in their own words, what it’s like to navigate work and life with a disability or neurodivergent condition. From moments of collaboration to misunderstandings, and the small changes that make a big difference, these stories are a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. But here’s where it gets controversial: How often do we truly adapt our workplaces to accommodate diverse needs, and what does it take to move beyond tokenism to genuine inclusion?
Daniele Tonella, MBB member and Disability and Neurodiversity sponsor, reflects on the progress we’ve made: ‘I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Since launching our global disability and neuro-inclusion strategy last year, our Enable Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have grown to nine across ING! I’m excited to keep pushing for bold changes as we step into 2026.’ But is this enough? What more can we do to ensure these initiatives aren’t just checkboxes but catalysts for real change?
Take Amy Brown, a Financial Crime Prevention lead from ING Americas, whose story challenges us to rethink how we approach neurodiversity. Amy, who lives with dyslexia and ADHD, has mastered the art of leveraging her unique wiring to excel in her role. ‘Mornings are when I can hyperfocus,’ she shares. By structuring her day around her brain’s natural rhythms—walking to work, color-coding her calendar, and using reminders—Amy turns what some might see as challenges into strengths. But here’s the thought-provoking question: If one in ten people are estimated to be neurodivergent, why aren’t more workplaces designed to harness their potential?
Amy’s diagnosis was a turning point: ‘I realized I’m not broken—I’m just wired differently. It’s like Mac and PC. Both get the job done; they just do it differently.’ Her story highlights the importance of open conversations about neurodiversity. While some fear saying the wrong thing, and others worry about career repercussions, Amy believes sharing experiences breaks down barriers. ‘The more we talk, the easier it is for everyone to support each other,’ she says. But how do we create safe spaces for these conversations without fear of judgment or misunderstanding?
Beyond her professional life, Amy’s passion for exploring new places through food and live music, her love for biographies and rock music (especially Bruce Springsteen), and her adventurous spirit—hiking, diving, and even building a vintage clothing business—paint a picture of a multifaceted individual who thrives in her uniqueness. And this is the part most people miss: Neurodiversity isn’t just about challenges—it’s about perspective, creativity, and the richness it brings to our teams and communities.
As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s not just acknowledge differences—let’s embrace them. Let’s ask ourselves: How can we better support our colleagues? How can we design workplaces that truly include everyone? And most importantly, how can we shift from awareness to action? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that drives real change.
