How to Attract More Hires With Disabilities

The workplace functions best and most efficiently when all individuals feel included, valued, and empowered. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case for people with disabilities. Despite legal protections in place, individuals with disabilities still face many challenges when it comes to finding and keeping jobs. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all candidates can access equal opportunities and thrive in the workplace.

By taking proactive steps to improve accessibility and inclusion, we can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for employees with disabilities. Today, author Catherine Workman of WellnessVoyager.com explores some of the ways employers can make job opportunities more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Offer Educational Assistance

Everyone knows that education is a key to success, so why not get the best from your employees by helping them go back to school? If they earn a computer science degree online, they’ll be able to proceed at their own pace – thanks to the flexibility of online learning platforms – and obtain skills that will make them an enormous asset to your business. This is a wonderful way to attract some of the best, most ambitious talent.

Know ADA Regulations

Employers should also increase their awareness of the ADA regulations to ensure they are not discriminating against people with disabilities during the hiring process. For example, employers cannot ask questions about an applicant’s disability during the interview process or use a medical exam to screen out candidates with disabilities. Instead, they should focus on the candidate’s qualifications and job-related abilities.

Have Reasonable Accommodations

Employers should also be prepared to offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. These accommodations can range from flexible work schedules to assistive technology devices to ensure that employees with disabilities can perform their job duties to the best of their ability. By providing these accommodations, employers can help level the playing field and ensure all employees succeed.

Make the Application Process More Accessible

Employers can also make the job application process more accessible to candidates with disabilities. For example, they can provide alternative formats for job applications, such as large print or electronic versions. Employers can also ensure that their online application systems are accessible to individuals who use assistive technology devices, such as screen readers.

Improve Your Management Style

To be better managers and supervisors, we must become self-aware of how we interact with staff. This is especially important when working with employees with disabilities. Managers should understand the unique experiences and challenges that people with disabilities face in the workplace and be prepared to provide support when needed. By being open to feedback and adjusting our management style, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone.

Participate in Diversity Recruitment Events

Employers can also participate in diversity recruitment events to reach a wider pool of candidates with disabilities. These events are designed to connect employers with job seekers from underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities. By participating in these events, employers can demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion and build relationships with disability organizations and advocacy groups.

Build Partnerships

Finally, employers can utilize networks that support people with disabilities to find qualified candidates. Many organizations and programs specialize in connecting employers with job seekers with disabilities. By building partnerships with these organizations, employers can tap into a valuable pool of talent and demonstrate their commitment to disability inclusion.

Creating more accessible job opportunities for people with disabilities requires ongoing effort and investment. As an employer, it’s essential to understand the unique challenges that people with disabilities face and be prepared to offer reasonable accommodations and support. By increasing awareness of ADA regulations, participating in diversity recruitment events, helping your employees continue their education, and utilizing networks that support people with disabilities, employers can create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone.

Wyoming Services for Independent Living is here to help those with disabilities to improve their quality of life and independence. We look forward to hearing from you!