Human Resources celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Auburn University Human Resources, or AUHR, is celebrating the valuable work that our employees with disabilities perform.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, when the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes America’s workers with disabilities and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. AUHR also commends our supervisors who recognize and promote a level playing field for all employees and prospective employees.

There are many ways to support disability employment at Auburn:

• Request to post positions with sources that promote employment for individuals with disabilities. Partner with the Employment Services team to identify national, local or regional opportunities for advertising jobs.
• Ensure accessibility for all candidates. When scheduling interviewing activities, inform all applicants that accommodations may be requested.
• Reinforce fair and equitable hiring practices that ensure inclusion of all people and avoid bias and discrimination.
• Be transparent and set expectations about the interview process – the type of interview (phone, Zoom, in-person), how long you anticipate the process to take, how applicants will be contacted, etc.
• Request disability awareness training for those involved in the employment process within your unit.
• Participate in training provided by the Office of Inclusion and Diversity located in Fast Train. (Log in through AU Access.)
• Partner with the Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) for any questions on accommodations and the interactive process, as well as any questions/issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Remind interview organizers to ensure the physical location of the interview is accessible and to become familiar with the nearest accessible parking, path of travel to the interview and the location of the accessible restrooms.

Visit www.auburn.edu/hr/employment/ndeam.html for additional information, including links to several relevant videos and webinars.