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ODEP News Brief. Driving Change - Creating Opportunity

November 14, 2024

EARN logoDesigning a Disability-Inclusive Hiring Process

“Inclusive hiring” means that at every stage of the hiring process, people with disabilities have equitable access. Inclusive hiring is not only good for people with disabilities, but is also great for business. The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is highlighting actionable ways employers can implement inclusive hiring practices. From accessible job descriptions and announcements to inclusive interviewing and onboarding experiences, EARN’s resources help organizations of all sizes build an inclusive workplace from the start. 

Cartoon-style image depicting four people with diverse physical disabilities.Strategies to Address Workforce Shortages and Advance Disability Employment

For many sectors struggling to fill open positions, people with disabilities bring unique skills and talents to help meet employment demands. The recently published policy brief “Workforce Shortages and Disability” from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the ODEP-funded State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED) highlights innovative policies and creative strategies implemented by state and local governments to help recruit, promote, hire and retain public- and private-sector employees, including disabled workers and others from historically underemployed groups.

Reading, “Search the NEW Situations and Solutions finder at AskJAN.org. Search workplace accommodation scenarios by disability, limitation and occupation.” Photo of a person using a laptop with an icon of a computer monitor and magnifying glass, depicting “search,” on the screen. JAN logo at bottom right.Search JAN’s “Situations and Solutions” Workplace Accommodation Finder

If you’re looking for real-life examples of job accommodations that have helped other workers, ODEP’s Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has you covered. JAN’s Situations and Solutions Finder contains accommodation scenarios across a wide range of workplaces and industries, searchable by disability, limitation and occupation. Keep in mind that the Situations and Solutions Finder provides general ideas for accommodations but isn’t comprehensive and doesn’t give a solution for every unique situation. For specific guidance, contact JAN directly at askjan.org.

With three white speech bubbles against a sky blue background reading, “Like,” “Share” and “Follow.”Check out ODEP’s CAPE-Youth on LinkedIn!

The ODEP-funded Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth) does the important work of helping state leaders support disabled youth and young adults as they transition into the workforce. That means promoting inclusive apprenticeships, encouraging financial empowerment and independence, supporting mental health and improving access to the education, training and other services transition-age youth and young adults need to succeed. Follow CAPE-Youth on LinkedIn to stay informed.