Leveraging AI—Accessibly and Inclusively
In many workplaces today, artificial intelligence (AI) is streamlining the recruitment and hiring process. It's being used to improve efficiency in the job application process, screen candidates and help inform hiring decisions.
While AI tools hold great potential to increase opportunity for workers, they also come with some risks. Depending on how they are designed and implemented, AI-based tools can potentially create barriers to economic opportunities, particularly for underserved communities such as job seekers with disabilities.
Now, a new tool from the ODEP-funded Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) offers guidance. PEAT's new AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework helps employers maximize benefits and better manage risks of AI hiring technology. Structured around 10 focus areas, the framework includes best practices, goals and sample activities employers can adopt when assessing, acquiring or deploying AI hiring technologies.
Recognizing that AI adoption happens over time, we want employers to use elements of the Framework in the order and pace that works for each organization.
ODEP and PEAT developed the framework with input from disability advocates, employers, AI and legal experts, government and industry leaders and the public at large. It is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI Risk Management Framework and includes the agency's best practices for inclusive hiring.
While AI and other emerging technologies are an exciting development, businesses have a duty to use them accessibly and inclusively. With the AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework, employers can maximize the benefits and better manage risks to ensure their virtual doors remain open to all qualified workers.