Is your company looking to recruit more workers with disabilities? Perhaps you’ve already undergone a disclosure campaign to find out which accommodations the employees already working for you might need. Maybe you’ve even learned three easy ways to include people with disabilities in your workplace. Now you’re likely ready to recruit even more people; here are some additional steps you can take.
To get started, try partnering with state and local nonprofits that specialize in centers for independent living, vocational rehabilitation facilities, or job centers. Another resource is the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), which offers resources on recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing employment for people with disabilities. Additionally, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is an invaluable resource for how to integrate workplace accommodations.
Next, begin building an “inclusive talent pipeline,” i.e., word of mouth! As you offer internships or apprenticeships and create employee resource groups (more on this ahead), people will begin to recognize your company as a leader in inclusive culture and a welcoming place for people with disabilities. Word of mouth is the most trusted way people will hear about your company.
You can also post your positions with new tech platforms like Inclusively and Mentra, which allow businesses and disabled job seekers to connect.
One of the best ways to boost the aforementioned word of mouth is through an employee resource group (ERG), an internal community for people with shared interests or identities. The first ERG can be traced back to the formation of the National Black Employee Caucus at Xerox. Corporations today like Amazon and S&P Global have many employee resource groups, such as Amazon People with Disabilities or S&P’s Asian Professionals for Excellence.
As EARN notes, “ERGs can help boost disability recruiting and hiring by participating in job fairs where candidates with disabilities are looking for jobs, or members can meet with disability and career services at colleges and universities to encourage applications from students. ERG members might also offer testimonials on why your organization is a welcoming and inclusive place to work for use in recruiting materials such as brochures and company career pages.”
A black woman interviews a black man around a table. Photo by Alex Green.
When thinking about recruiting those from the disabled community, it is imperative to use plain language in job descriptions, and to allow candidates multiple ways to apply and communicate regarding the position. You can offer accommodations for both the job and the interview process itself—ideally communicated well in advance of the interview—to make sure candidates have everything they need. You can also provide a list of which accommodations are already available or implemented as part of the standard interview process, such as using an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or providing the interview questions in advance of the interview.
Having an application process that allows for applications to be done in person or with audio/physical/virtual accommodations in place will expand your candidate pool. One could lose out on a good candidate by being unprepared. Here is a list of 12 ways to ensure inclusive hiring practices for people with disabilities.
A woman shows her coworkers something on her laptop. Photo by Canva Studio.
Another way to recruit people from the disabled community is to show support for people with disabilities on one’s website and in the job descriptions you post. This should make prospective employees feel more comfortable disclosing their disabilities, and will show that accessibility is an important value in your company.
As the Harvard Business Review writes,: “Research found that employees who do disclose their disability at work are 30% more engaged—in terms of career satisfaction and aspirations, confidence, and a sense of belonging—than those who don’t.”
Relay Resources can help with disability inclusivity training and assistance. Take a look at our comprehensive toolkit for even more information and Resources.
Relay Resources offers employment and business solutions for and with people with disabilities. Learn more about what Relay Resources does here, along with how you can support inclusive workplaces or find employment.