READOUT: Department of Labor gathered experts, stakeholders to ensure more inclusive hiring as automated technology affects decision-making

WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor today hosted an online “think tank” on the use of artificial intelligence tools in hiring during which federal agencies, technology innovators, disability organizations and civil rights groups convened to explore strategies for ensuring that automated employment decision tools treat workers with disabilities and other underserved communities equally.

Many organizations now use artificial intelligence to screen job candidates, streamline the application process, monitor employee actions, and provide employee training. While its use offers employers efficiencies, AI tools must be designed with diverse users in mind to prevent workplace discrimination, including against people with disabilities.

Hosted by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology, the four-hour event included opening remarks by Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams.

“By collaborating with our cross-sector partners, we can harness the power of AI and create a robust risk management framework profile for automated employment decision tools,” said Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams. “Our vision includes creating a profile that guides inclusive hiring for all Americans, including people with disabilities and other underserved groups.”

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Charlotte A. Burrows and the Associate Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Info Technology Laboratory Elham Tabassi also delivered remarks.

Today’s event aligned with the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to make certain AI-powered employment tools do not harm employment prospects for America’s workers. In October 2022, the Office of Science and Technology Policy released its Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights to foster more equitable and inclusive digital hiring of workers with disabilities and other underserved communities.

An ODEP-funded initiative to promote collaboration in technology and build inclusive workplaces, PEAT will issue a report on the event to promote its findings and identify action steps.