If you are a small business employer looking to grow your team, you should consider writing an open job posting that encourages candidates with disabilities to apply. Creating an open job posting is an easy way to grow your talent pool while demonstrating your commitment to inclusive hiring practices.

In this article, we’ll go over:

• what an open job posting is;
• why hiring candidates with disabilities is a win-win for small business owners;
• and how you can get started today.

What is an Open Job Posting?

An open job posting is an advertisement that encourages people to apply to work. It’s called an “open” posting because, unlike a regular job posting, it may not advertise a specific role in the company. It’s more like an open invitation for people with disabilities to reach out to inquire about opportunities.

Once you connect with a talented applicant, you can find a place for them in an existing role or create a new job tailored to their skills through a job carving process

Why Should I Have an Open Job Posting for Candidates with Disabilities?

Having an open job posting makes it easier for candidates with disabilities to apply to work at your small business. Conventional job postings can be full of barriers for people with disabilities. On the other hand, open job postings allow you to connect with applicants, learn their skills, and find a place for them.

For example, if you are a cafe looking to add to your team, you may have “must have the ability to lift 50 pounds” on your barista job description. If a job-seeker cannot lift 50 pounds, they may not apply, taking their valuable skills elsewhere.

This candidate may have excellent customer service skills, an ability to uplift and lead a team, and a talent for inventory management. But without an inclusive, open job posting, you’ve missed out on a chance to connect with them.

Another common example of a barrier in a traditional job posting is requiring a candidate to have a driver’s license when it isn’t necessary for the job. Many people with disabilities are unable to drive, so this would limit their ability to apply. Be sure to consider what qualifications are absolutely necessary before promoting your open job posting.

Disabled workers are a huge asset to small businesses because they improve work culture and create a more united, successful team. For example, according to the Inclusive Employers Hiring Hub, organizations with inclusive cultures are:

• Two times more likely to meet or exceed financial targets.
• Three times as likely to be high-performing.
• Six times more likely to be innovative and agile.
• Eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.

Tip: Download the Accessible Hiring for Small Businesses Checklist for more information about becoming a more accessible employer.

Creating an Open Job Posting for Candidates with Disabilities

1. Use Inclusive Language

There are two main kinds of language you’ll see in the disability community that you should be aware of:

• Person-first language
  Examples: a person living with epilepsy, a person with schizophrenia, and people with disabilities.
• Identify-first language
  Examples: Autistic person, blind person, disabled people.

Read More: Accessibility Glossary of Terms for the Workplace

Person-first language emphasizes the individual rather than the disability. Identity-first language is preferred by some because it acknowledges that the person cannot be separated from their disability. Person-first language is generally more common, especially in written business communication.

In your job posting, you can use person-first language and add a simple line, “We encourage candidates with disabilities to apply and job accommodations are available.”

This will demonstrate to candidates that you are an inclusive employer. It’s also good practice to include an email where candidates can ask for accommodations during the application and interview process should they have questions or concerns.

Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Workplace Accommodations: A Guide for Small Businesses

2. Write an Open Job Posting

Open job postings provide information about your company, your commitment to accessibility, and the benefits of joining your workplace. Here’s a sample open job posting template that you can use to inspire your own:

3. Posting your Job Opening

Once you have an accessible open job posting that you’re happy with, it’s time to share it with the world. First, share it on your website in your jobs or careers section.

Tip: Consider working with employment service providers who specialize in connecting employers with candidates with disabilities.

Then, you can target diverse job boards and networks that specialize in connecting employers with candidates with disabilities. You can consider partnering with disability organizations to help spread the word about the job opening, too.

Additional Resources

• Tips for Interviewing Job Candidates With Disabilities
• How Small Businesses Can Increase Disability Confidence
• Accessible Hiring Checklist

Continue your Accessibility Journey with SBBC

Small Business BC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Our Workplace Accessibility Resources page is full of tips, tools, and more to support your next stage.

This article was developed in consultation with Melissa Lyon of Accessibility & Inclusion Matter Consulting.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.