Check out the playlist of short videos on Workplace Accessibility
UAA is dedicated to attracting and retaining a workforce consisting of highly qualified and diverse individuals. The way we write our job descriptions and advertise our postings matters. This means we need to:
- Recruit and retain employees with disabilities
- Recruit and retain employees who understand accessibility issues
- Ensure employees are provided with appropriate professional development opportunities
- Make sure employees feel comfortable disclosing disability
Clearly Identify Essential Job Functions
There are often multiple ways to get a job done. Try to stay focused on what needs to be done, not necessarily the exact manner in which it may occur. For example, written reports may be created by typing, but could also created by using voice recognition software. There are often creative approaches that can help make sure qualified applicants with disabilities are able to receive appropriate adjustments to complete all essential tasks in efficient ways.
Include Knowledge of Accessibility in Relevant Recruitments
It is important to look for knowledge of, and experience with implementing, best practices. For example:
- Knowledge of 508 or WCAG standards - in positions responsible for maintaining websites
- Experience with accessible document design - in positions responsible for creating handouts, forms, etc
- Familiarity with ADAAG - in positions responsible for designing physical spaces
- Understanding of accommodation process for most positions
Provide Professional Development Opportunities
Individuals need to know about best practices if they are tasked with:
- Maintaining department websites
- Creating newsletters, forms, or other materials that will be shared or distributed online
- Planning events
- Configuring spaces
- Developing or facilitating courses or workshops
Related Resources
