Why should you choose TEAMS Advance?

Working with TEAMS Advance isn't just about compliance—it's about transforming your organization while tapping into significant business opportunities.

Research consistently shows that disability inclusion drives business success:

Companies that excel in disability inclusion are twice as likely to have higher total shareholder returns compared to their peers (Accenture)

87% of consumers prefer to do business with companies that hire people with disabilities (Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation).

Organizations with inclusive cultures report 27% higher profitability than their peers (Deloitte)

Teams with members with disabilities show increased innovation and problem-solving capabilities (Harvard Business Review)

Workers with disabilities demonstrate higher retention rates, with 85% still employed after one year compared to 49% of theier peers (U.S. Department of Labor)

These statistics demonstrate that disability inclusion isn't just about social responsibility - it's a strategic business advantage that creates lasting positive impact across organizations. Companies that embrace disability inclusion see improved financial performance, enhanced innovation, stronger employee engagement, and better customer loyalty.

Our unique TEAMS framework provides a structured, step-by-step approach that makes disability inclusion accessible and actionable. Through personalized training and consultation, we help you create lasting cultural change that benefits your entire organization. The impact is lasting because we don't just provide information—we transform mindsets and behaviors through interactive, discussion-based learning that reflects your organization's specific needs and goals.

A service dog laying next to a person sitting in a wheelchair, symbolizing support and companionship.

"That dog is not coming in here" - restaurant employee

Discrimination and rejection for service dog owners persist, as businesses and individuals, based on negative experiences with untrained animals, often turn away genuine service dogs and their handlers (Second Wave, Southwest Michigan).


​Why is Erica so passionate about training employers about disability inclusion?
A headshot photo of Erica Harris smiling, conveying professionalism and warmth.
This work isn't just my career—it's my calling. For 20 years, I have advocated for underserved individuals, and for the past decade, I have focused specifically on disability inclusion because I've seen how transformative it can be when done right.

​Every training session, every consultation, every interaction is an opportunity to create real change. I am passionate about this work because I've seen what happens when organizations move beyond basic compliance to embrace true inclusion. I have witnessed the transformation when teams realize that disability inclusion isn't just the right thing to do—it's the best thing to do.

​When I see organizations shift from uncertainty to confidence in their approach to disability inclusion, when I watch barriers fall and opportunities open up, that's what fuels my passion. This is where purpose meets impact, and it's why I remain committed to this work. Every person deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents and be valued for who they are. That's not just a belief—it's what drives everything I do and why I created TEAMS Advance. 

"Our products are inclusive, so we're compliant" - store manager

Even when products and services are themselves inclusive of disabled people, parts of the wider customer journey may not be. That's why it's important that businesses consider all aspects of the customer experience are accessible.

A salesperson assisting a man in a wheelchair in a clothing store, demonstrating friendly and accessible customer service.

​Why is this type of training and consultation important?

People with disabilities remain the world's largest minority group, facing significant disparities in employment, education, and social inclusion. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than twice that of people without disabilities. Access to meaningful employment isn't just about having a job—it's about dignity, independence, and the opportunity to contribute to society. 

​Every time an organization embraces true inclusion, it creates a ripple effect that touches countless lives. When businesses learn how to be truly inclusive, they don't just change their workplace - they change their community. This isn't just about compliance or checking boxes. It's about creating genuine opportunities and breaking down barriers that have existed for far too long. As someone who has dedicated her career to disability advocacy and inclusion, Erica has witnessed firsthand how proper training and consultation can transform organizations and change lives. "I wouldn't have my career today if it weren't for the disability community, and that's something I never forget." - Erica   

more about erica

Erica Harris is not just the founder of TEAMS Advance, she is a well-respected, experienced disability inclusion coach. Erica's passion for equal opportunities has shaped her career of advocating for underserved individuals for 20 years. For more than a decade, her work has focused on people with disabilities and training staff and professionals on disability culture, inclusion, and accessibility topics.

Erica's passion lies in helping organizations build truly inclusive environments through specialized training and education. As a recognized expert on disability issues, she has empowered business leaders, employees, and professionals across multiple sectors to create more accessible and welcoming spaces. Her engaging training programs have equipped thousands of participants with practical strategies to foster meaningful inclusion.

Erica is not your typical presenter or trainer. She wants to know and learn about her audience, what they're thinking, and how they got there. She wants to have a discussion about why they came to her training and what they want out of it. Still, she's going to give them a lot to think about and encourage them to reflect on their own behavior. Her goal is for everyone to advance in their thinking and take with them new information and ideas about how to make a difference by making changes.

Client Feedback

Empowering Change, One Client at a Time.

by Janet R.
Above and Beyond!
I have worked on projects directly with Erica and she is professional and goes above and beyond what is required of her. Organizations benefit from her great connections in the community and nationally.
by Bre G.
High Quality Trainings
Erica worked well with even our more challenging partners and was able to get teams set up. Erica continues to be very self-sufficient yet collaborates successfully with partners. You can count on Erica to develop and deliver high-quality trainings.
by Emily
Invaluable Insights!
Erica is very personable and friendly, with an honest communication style that I greatly appreciate. She is direct and to the point, while maintaining kindness. This adds to her ability to be an effective and efficient trainer.