Creating a supportive workplace where everyone can do their best work starts with some small-but-meaningful steps; the benefits are numerous and very worthwhile to your organization!

  1. Provide Helpful Training
    Make sure hiring managers, supervisors, and team members get training that builds awareness, clears up common misunderstandings, and strengthens working relationships. This sounds easy, and it can be, but it does take some know-how and direction.

  2. Connect with Community Partners
    Work with organizations that support people who have disabilities—like advocacy groups, vocational programs, or employment services. They can help you connect with great candidates too.

  3. Simplify and Adapt the Hiring Process
    Offer job applications in multiple formats, provide accommodations during interviews, and write clear, accurate job descriptions that focus on what’s essential for the job. Again, this may seem simple, but so often “simple” takes some focus to accomplish, it’s very worthwhile to do those extra steps!

  4. Talk It Through Together
    Have open conversations with employees about what tools or changes might help them succeed. Collaborate to find reasonable solutions that support their strengths.

  5. Encourage a Supportive Team Culture
    Foster open communication, support employee-led groups, and create opportunities for learning and team connection so everyone feels valued and welcome in their positions.

  6. Make Career Paths Accessible
    Ensure that training, leadership development, and promotions are available to people who experience a disability—so everyone has the chance to grow their skills and careers.

  7. Keep Evolving
    Review your workplace policies and supports regularly. Stay flexible and open to change so your organization continues to meet the needs of all employees, not just in the immediate, but over time too.

These seven tips are based on insights from research paper Overcoming Barriers to Hiring and Retaining Employees with Disabilities: A Unified Work Consulting Perspective. Click here to Read the entire research PDF