People with disabilities are currently the third largest market segment in the United States, surpassing Hispanics, African Americans, Generation X, and teens.[1] Yet, companies still express difficulty in finding qualified candidates with disabilities.

The best way to find and retain talented applicants with disabilities is through outreach and recruitment. To effectively build a pipeline, companies must develop specific policies. 

Try these four proven strategies for reaching more potential applicants with disabilities:

• Create an internship program. College students with disabilities often explore internship opportunities through organizations like the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities and Disability:IN.
• Provide an accessible website. Maintaining an accessible website, which should contain an accessible online application, allows job seekers with disabilities the ability to easily learn about the company and its open positions.
• Join employer networking groups. Business networking is a valuable way to expand your knowledge, and learn about other’s successes.
• Participate in career fairs. Career fairs can give businesses the opportunity to engage with a higher volume of talent. 

Need other ideas? Implement a training solution that can be accessed company-wide. More and more companies are turning to video technology like iDisability™ for corporate learning and training. One such module, “Outreach and Recruitment Partnership: Building A Pipeline of Talent,” addresses the importance of having a sustainable disability employment program, and provides key outreach and recruitment ideas.
Nearly 1 million business users across a variety of industries have already benefited from iDisability™, an e-learning platform specifically designed to educate organizations and ensure employees have the knowledge required to effectively communicate, interview, hire, accommodate and engage every employee within the workforce. To schedule a demonstration, complete the contact form. 

Reference material:[1]https://www.dol.gov/odep/pdf/BusinessStrategiesThatWork.pdf