EmployAbilities works with employers to help them recruit, hire, and train people with disabilities. There are many business benefits to hiring people with disabilities. Progressive employers can create a diverse workplace, reach a larger market, and people with disabilities statistically are loyal, hardworking, and help reduce employee turnover.

We found these tips for employers for disability employment.

General Tips

  1. Review accessibility of the workplace and accessibility of the application process.
  2. Ask candidates in the interview if they have specific requirements.
  3. Talk directly to the person and offer before you help.
  4. When in doubt, ask. The person will know what is best for them.

Tips for hiring people with hearing loss & hearing impairment

  1. Ask their preferred method of communication
  2. Repeat or rephrase things if you need to, but don’t exaggerate mouth movements.
  3. Face and talk to the person, not their interpreter if they use one.
  4. Be patient and don’t say “never mind”.
  5. Tap for attention.

Tips for hiring people with developmental disabilities

  1. Use plain language
  2. Repeat information if necessary. Try using different wording if it wasn’t understood the first time.
  3. Offer to read written information if it is appropriate.
  4. Always treat adults as adults.

Tips for hiring people with mental health disabilities

  1. Be reliable and punctual. Do what you say you’re going to do.
  2. Be non-judgemental and patient.
  3. Offer to give them written information if appropriate.

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list, but a good place to start. If you want more information, or assistance with your recruiting, please reach out to EmployAbilities.