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Access to Good Jobs for All: NDEAM 2024

The poster is rectangular in shape and features a collage of six photos of diverse people with a range of disabilities working in various inclusive workplaces.

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the diverse talents and contributions individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace. This year's theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," emphasizes breaking down barriers and creating equitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

How can employers help ensure equitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities? Here are just a few ways:

  • Inclusive workplace culture.
    Organizations that use end-to-end disability inclusion processes help provide equal employment opportunities as well as growth and promotion opportunities among their employees. For example, inclusive job descriptions that state the functional aspects of the role enable employees with disabilities to identify barriers and find solutions that help them compete with their peers.

  • Level the talent selection playing field.
    Recruiting and hiring people with disabilities requires "a 'selection mindset' rather than an 'elimination mindset." Companies can receive thousands of resumes from mainstream sources. The normal procedure is to eliminate candidates based on eligibility criteria, such as education - a candidate may not meet the minimum requirement. "In the case of people with disabilities, if the mindset is to eliminate a resume, the disability may seem like a negative point and hence get eliminated." ~ What is the future of work for persons with disabilities?

  • Adhere to accessibility standards.
    Accessibility is critical for people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. All Information and Communication Technology (ICT) used for job functions should be accessible to ensure equal opportunity. Before acquiring any ICT, it's crucial to verify that it meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This accessibility requirement should be a fundamental part of the procurement process.

"It is so important to showcase people with disabilities with intersectional identities because that allows viewers to see beyond disability….People with disabilities are multilayered—we are complex breathing human beings defined by more than just what we lack."
~ Lauren Ridloff, actress, the first Deaf superhero in a Marvel film

Fostering a more inclusive workplace environment can harness the unique skills and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to the table, leading to a more innovative and productive workforce. #NDEAM

Resources

Maggie Vaughan, CPACC
Content Marketing Practitioner
DubBot