Introduction
In a time when ERGs are taking a hammering for being out of control and ineffectual I am relieved to discover that PurpleSpace is running a global summit for Disability ERGs on 15 October 2026.
I regularly celebrate PurpleSpace as the inspiration for my success as a Disability ERG Lead. I went from being well-intentioned but groping to being a radical innovator.
This summit is an important development for several reasons I want to briefly discuss below.
Offering an improved image of ERGs
Disability ERGs are different from other ERGs in that they have a specific focus that other ERGs generally do not have. Employees with disabilities can face particular and concrete barriers to equal accessibility and inclusion. These include policies, procedures and practices that require intentional actions by organizations to reform them. A Disability ERG can be a decisive partner in that process of reform.
Other ERGS have more complex challenges concerning attitudes and behaviors (which Disability ERGs also share). Responding to these effectively requires a level of sophistication few volunteer and ‘amateur’ ERGs can muster. The result is often an ERG that is unfocused and ineffectual – and attracted to ‘celebrating diversity’ or engaging in political activity. Some Disability ERGs end up in the same bind.
An effective Disability ERG, supported by an organization like PurpleSpace, with professional insights can demonstrate the full potential of an ERG as a genuine change partner.
A timely event
The global summit comes at a time when the whole area of DEI is under assault from politically motivated people. Their complaints are not wholly unjustified. DEI has become a problematic fixture in HR without having a clear focus on benefits, outcomes and effective methodologies. It has become more about performing concern, engaging in political activity and preserving the jobs and businesses of those who have benefitted from its growth.
Its time to reenvision what the original intent of DEI was and to see it in the present cultural context. That a is big job. What a professionally supported Disability ERGs can do is lead the way in demonstrating that there is still immense value in the work of ERGs.
Find out about the summit
This isn’t just for people with disability. It’s for anyone who wants to rethink what an ERG is and what it can deliver.
Click on this link to discover more:
https://www.purplespace.org/global-summit-2026
Conclusion
The simple fact that a global summit on Disability ERGs is happening must tell us a lot. So far as I know, PurpleSpace is the only organization who purpose is to support an ERG of any kind – and the fact that is about disability is important – because it is a focused form of activism that can be done professionally.
PurpleSpace was established in 2015, so it’s been around for more than a decade. Here’s a link to some background:
https://wearethecity.com/inspirational-woman-kate-nash-obe-founder-ceo-purplespace/