As your business grows, you may realize it’s time to diversify your staff and employ people with disabilities. The disabled workforce is full of talented individuals, but according to data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 21.3% of those with disabilities were working or looking for work in 2021. Part of this reason is the lack of jobs offered to those with disabilities. To attract applicants, you need to foster an inclusive environment and conduct some outreach so that those with disabilities feel compelled to apply. Here are six ways you can reach a pool of workers with disabilities.
- Offer Internship Programs
Internships are typically catered to those who are eager to kick off their career because it gives inexperienced workers an opportunity to test out the job. As an employer, you can also use internships to vet new hires and help interns transition into full-time careers. This can be a perfect opportunity to bring in those with disabilities.
- Adjust Company Culture
Your company culture acts as the personality of your business, so ensure that your workers mesh well with the culture. In some cases, this may mean you need to readjust your company values. Your company culture should emphasize inclusivity, and as the employer, you need to exemplify those values and facilitate positive working relationships. Good bosses prioritize open communication, help with professional development, and act as role models for their employees.
- Make Your Workplace Accessible
To attract more people with disabilities, make sure your workplace is accessible. Disabilities range from physical to cognitive, so you’ll have to approach this from many different angles. This includes adhering to ADA recommendations for physical barriers and adding accessibility features to your website and technology. It may be beneficial to have a support person on staff who can assist a worker with navigating a cognitive or mental disability.
And while you’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to streamline your daily operations to try and make everything a bit more efficient. And it doesn’t have to be expensive either. For instance, if you need to change file formats for a certain project, you could try a PDF online editor for free.
- Diversify Staff
To promote inclusion overall, your staff should already be diverse. This way, you avoid new employees feeling like the token diversity hire. Establish a diversity committee that’s composed of the management and human resources departments. This committee can focus on establishing diversity goals and guiding the company toward those goals. Make sure you showcase your company’s diversity through marketing, such as posting photos on your website.
- Network With Disability Services
Networking could be the key to recruiting workers with disabilities. Connect with your local job center, vocational rehab center, or disability advocacy groups to be put on their referral lists. At this stage, it’s all about who you know. People with disabilities are likely to work through private groups and government services to find jobs, so start there. There are also services available to you as an employer, such as the Social Security Administrations Ticket to Work program and your local Center for Independent Living.
- Support Those With Disabilities
Being a successful business owner requires you to go above and beyond and expand your knowledge as much as possible. By educating yourself on disabilities and accommodations and publicly supporting those with disabilities, you make it clear where your business stands. Try donating to or even volunteering for local advocacy groups or state-run services to showcase your support.
Workers with disabilities are well within reach. By connecting with disability-centered organizations and adjusting your company’s values to promote inclusivity, you can take advantage of a skilled pool of workers.
Author information: Patrick Young is an educator and activist. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances–the outside world often either underestimates them or ignores their needs altogether.
