5 Companies that Hire Disabled Adults in Colorado
Thanks to a greater understanding of disabled people's contributions to the workplace, there are more and more companies that hire disabled adults in Colorado. Many businesses have already woken up to the benefits disability inclusion can bring and have adapted their hiring practices accordingly.
If you're looking for employment opportunities as a disabled worker, these companies have a proven record of hiring people from the disabled community and have a diverse workforce. Though these companies may be a good place to start, these don't have to be your only options as a growing number of companies are embracing inclusive hiring practices.
1. Accenture
Accenture is a worldwide leader in strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations with a wide range of roles in different areas of business. Accenture has an office in Denver, Colorado as well as locations across the United States and around the world.
Accenture is noted for its many disability inclusion initiatives and supports employees with disabilities in multiple ways. Their disabled workers have access to the latest technology and tools and all employees receive training about how to create a better environment for people with disabilities at work.
As a consultancy firm that works with other businesses, Accenture also helps other companies implement their own disability initiatives to create opportunities for everyone.
2. Google
Google understands the unique perspectives disabled people can bring to the workforce and has created a hiring culture that embraces people from all backgrounds and with a wide range of abilities. Google's commitment to hiring people with disabilities means everybody faces barrier-free interviews and equal access to new openings.
Once they have been hired, disabled workers are equipped with all the tools necessary to perform their jobs to the highest of their abilities. Google's Disability Alliance also leads projects to improve inclusion within the company and help promote disability awareness about people with special needs and their role in the workplace.
3. Salesforce
Salesforce is another giant in terms of accessibility and disability inclusion. Indeed, Salesforce is part of The Valuable 500, an initiative that promotes disabled inclusion in 500 of the most influential businesses across the globe.
Abilityforce, Salesforce's inclusion resource group, ensures that all employees are empowered and can grow and develop as valuable members of the team. Salesforce has a corporate office in Denver.
4. United Airlines
United Airlines runs various initiatives to help people with disabilities, raise disability awareness, and give support to disabled employees. UA also has an advisory board that provides accessibility training to all the different departments in the company. In Colorado, United Airlines has offices in Denver and Aurora.
5. Walgreens
Walgreens integrates disabled workers throughout its workplaces with a comprehensive inclusion policy. Through programs like the Transitional Work Group and the Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative, the company actively seeks to create equal opportunities for disabled workers.
These programs have allowed over 1,500 disabled people to complete customer service and retail skills training to work in retail, distribution centers, or other roles in the company. Walgreens has hiring offices in Centennial and Thornton, Colorado, and shops and pharmacies around the state.
Tips for Job-Seekers with Disabilities
When applying for jobs in these companies or any other company, being open about your disability and knowing your rights as a disabled person can help you in an interview.
Know Your Rights
Several laws exist to protect your right to find and keep jobs and gain access to the accommodations that you need. Knowing the protections and rights you have at work may make you more confident to apply for different roles and assert yourself when you start working.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability and makes provisions for disabled people to have equality in the workplace. According to the ADA, you can't be denied employment or otherwise harassed, demoted, paid less, or fired because of your disability. The ADA also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, for example providing wheelchair ramps or assistive technology.
In a Job Interview
It's illegal for employers to ask specific questions about your disability in an interview or ask for medical examinations. Be aware that, by law, you can decline to answer questions about these and other issues (such as religious beliefs and political views) during your interview.
Have a Clear Idea about the Accommodations You Need
When you're called for an interview, identify which accommodations you need to do your job to the best of your ability. Employers must accommodate reasonable requests. Communicate your needs clearly to your employer at the interview and when you start working.
Play Up Your Strengths
Be confident when talking about your strengths and capabilities and know how to sell yourself. Even if you need certain accommodations, don't be afraid to talk about how good you are at a task when you have the appropriate tools.
Be Honest about Your Disability
It's your choice to talk about your disability in an interview; remember that it's illegal for an interviewer to ask specific questions about it. However, they can ask about how you could perform the tasks associated with the job. Be prepared for this question and be ready to explain exactly how you would work and any accommodations you would need to accomplish the tasks.
The Sky's the Limit for Disabled Professionals
Though the five notable companies listed here are trailblazers in inclusivity, disabled workers aren't limited to large and progressive companies when it comes to finding work. With growing awareness of how much disabled people can contribute to the workforce, people with disabilities will have a growing number of opportunities to develop their careers in companies of all sizes.
Be sure to know your rights and be clear about how you would perform the role and any reasonable accommodations you might need when applying for jobs. These companies have shown what is possible when workers with disabilities have access to the tools they need!