People with disabilities have proven to be consistent, dedicated employees and yet more
than 17 million working-age individuals who have a reported disability are unemployed.
In fact, the unemployment rate of those people claiming a disability is twice as high as
the general population. The United States has the lowest rate of people with disabilities
employed in the workforce.
But on November 18, 1999, the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act
was enacted. Among other benefits, it allows those claiming a disability to obtain
vocational rehabilitation and other support services. This means that now, with an
ever-growing pool of trained and talented individuals who identify as having a disability,
the opportunities for employers to make inclusivity a priority is expanding.
Make Job Searches and Interviews More Accessible
Ensure your site is compatible with a screen reader, which will allow people with vision
impairment to translate the information on your site into speech. Users should be able to
move through the site’s content and applications without having to use a mouse. If your
site uses video, make sure it’s closed-captioned. An added benefit is that closed-captioned
videos move your site up higher on Google searches.
And take advantage of the number of internship and recruitment programs that exist
specifically for students with disabilities, such as the Workforce Recruitment Program.
Create an Accessible Workspace
Being accessible means that your workplace should have features like ramps, elevators, and
wider doors and include bathrooms that are accessible for wheelchair users. It should also
include features that make it easier for people with disabilities to do their jobs well. For
example, if a person is deaf or hard of hearing, they would need captioning on their
computer screen or an interpreter during meetings.
If there are business practices that you aren’t sure are accessible, do your research and ask.
For example, your teams might have moved away from long seated meetings to walking
meetings. Don’t automatically assume that someone with low mobility would not be
interested in joining. If your area is easy to walk between stores and business, then the
route you take may be accessible. Try walking it yourself and then consult with the
employee in private.
The benefits of disability-friendly workplaces are many. The most obvious benefit is that
these workplaces will be more inclusive and welcoming for all abilities. However, there are
other benefits as well – like better recruiting and retaining employees and better customer
service because people with disabilities will be able to interact more easily with customers
too.
Create a Positive Work Culture
A workplace culture that is inclusive and friendly for people with disabilities requires an
understanding of how to include these individuals without making them feel like they’re
being treated differently or singled out. Exercising good leadership cultivates a positive
workplace in which everyone feels heard and valued. Those in top roles should lift others
up, and be willing to be held accountable for their own actions.
You’ll want to make sure that there are opportunities for people with disabilities at all
levels of the organization, including in leadership positions, reminds Emtrain. This culture
will help them to feel included and valued as part of the team, which will lead to increased
engagement from this group in general. It also has a positive effect on the quality of work,
productivity, and employee satisfaction.
Understand Your Requirements
When hiring any employee, you are required to have an Employer Identification Number.
An EIN is required by the IRS to file business taxes, hire employees, and set up a
business bank account.
Make sure you’re in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The ADA requires that employers make reasonable accommodations to help people with disabilities apply for jobs and perform their work. This law also requires employers to provide
reasonable accommodations so individuals with disabilities can enjoy the same benefits
and privileges of employment as those without disabilities.
Embrace Accessibility in Space and Culture
There are many benefits to hiring people with disabilities. They are usually loyal, have a
high work ethic, and are less likely to be absent from work than other employees. Creating a
positive environment that makes your workplace more accessible and accommodating can
help you be the richly diverse and inclusive business that you, your employees, and your
clients and customers can be proud of.
Article written by Ted James