Finding the right talent is a challenge for companies everywhere, but many employers in the private and public sectors are increasingly recognizing that there is a largely untapped source of qualified applicants among individuals with disabilities. However, employers need more information and strategies to successfully recruit, retain and engage this segment of the workforce.
In response to this need, Cornell University has developed an online tool for companies to quickly identify best practices.
BenchmarkABILITY.org was developed by Cornell’s Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability as a self-assessment tool for businesses and agencies that want to track progress toward implementing human resources policies and practices to maximize disability inclusion.
The tool includes six 15-question surveys about:
- recruitment and hiring
- career development and retention
- accessibility and accommodation
- compensation and benefits
- diversity and inclusion
- metrics and analytics
The tool covers 90 recommended practices, many of them empirically derived from Cornell employer practices research, and provides downloadable reports so employers can assess their company’s level of implementation.
A comparative report feature allows units in an organization to compare survey results. This feature can help ensure practices are being implemented consistently across the organization.
Reports include tips and resources for policies, practices, and transactional and strategic efforts to include people with disabilities in the workforce. Access to the online tool and related reports is available at no cost to early adoptors for a limited time.
Current Issue - May 2024