Disability in the workplace refers to all situations where employees with an impairment or limitation are integrated and supported within their professional environment. At a time when inclusion and diversity have become strategic priorities for organizations in 2026, rethinking the welcome and support provided to people with disabilities is a major challenge for performance and cohesion. In this article, discover the innovative visions and solutions of four renowned experts—Virginie Delalande, Naoual El Alaoui, Lali Dugelay, and Eric Payan—who work every day to transform workplace practices. Their insights shed light on current challenges and pave the way for a more inclusive and responsible corporate culture.
Our speakers on the subject
Virginie Delalande
Virginie Delalande, the first deaf-born lawyer in France, has established herself as a leading authority on disability issues in the workplace. Now a speaker, coach, and author, she supports organizations and employees in transforming differences into true drivers of performance and innovation. Drawing on her inspiring journey, she raises awareness about inclusion, resilience, and pushing beyond limits, while challenging stereotypes related to disability.
Talk: Daring the Impossible
Discover the inspiring story of Virginie Delalande, the first deaf-born lawyer in France, who powerfully demonstrates how to turn every challenge into a springboard for success. In this talk, you’ll leave with practical tools to overcome your own limits, cultivate self-confidence, and harness diversity as a catalyst for innovation—both individually and as a team.
Themes: resilience, inclusion, difference, motivation, inspiration, disability
Naoual El Alaoui
With over 20 years of management experience, Naoual El Alaoui supports managers and executives in developing inclusive leadership, particularly regarding the integration of disability in the workplace. As a specialist in organizational transformation, she helps teams overcome biases and leverage diversity as a driver of performance. Her approach, focused on collective intelligence and stress management, fosters more open and resilient professional environments.
Talk: Managing in Uncertainty In a constantly evolving environment, Naoual El Alaoui reveals concrete strategies for effectively leading teams despite uncertainty. Participants will discover practical tools to strengthen cohesion, boost engagement, and develop collective resilience. This talk provides keys to turning today’s challenges into levers for sustainable performance.
Topics: leadership, management, transformation, collective intelligence, change management
Lali Dugelay
Lali Dugelay, a committed speaker and Asperger’s autistic, is a recognized expert on disability in the workplace. Founder of Aspie@Work and author, she supports organizations in creating truly inclusive professional environments by training managers and teams to welcome and support employees with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. Her dedication and regular contributions to companies and the media have made her a leading authority on workplace inclusion.
Talk: Ode to the Joy of Inclusion
Through an inspiring narrative blending personal experience and professional expertise, Lali Dugelay reveals the keys to successfully including people with disabilities in the workplace. Participants will discover practical advice for preparing teams, optimizing recruitment and onboarding, while mastering legal aspects and overcoming prejudices related to disability.
Eric Payan
After losing his sight at the age of twenty, following a career as an executive manager, Eric Payan now shares his expertise on disability in the workplace as a renowned speaker. A specialist in inclusion issues, he supports leaders and teams in transforming the perception of disability—often invisible—into a true driver of collective engagement and performance. Author of the book "Regarder sans voir," he travels throughout France to promote a resolutely inclusive and inspiring approach to management.
Talk: Adapting: The Challenge of a Lifetime! Through his inspiring journey, Eric Payan demonstrates how disability and adversity can become powerful levers for resilience and innovation within organizations. Participants will discover practical tools to foster inclusion and recognize the unique value of employees with disabilities, while developing a more open and high-performing management culture.
Topics: handicap, resilience, management, inclusion, diversity, awareness