Home Depot is updating its hiring process to remove barriers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Martha Asencio-Laing/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)
One of the nation’s largest retailers is partnering with disability advocates to make its hiring process more inclusive for job applicants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Home Depot has conducted a comprehensive review and is making changes to its onboarding approach and providing reasonable accommodations as a result of partnerships with Arc of the United, Autism Self-Help Network and Chicago-based Equipe for Equality, the groups said.
According to disability advocates, the measure is designed to “avoid the potential unintentional exclusion of applicants with IDD.”
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At the urging of advocacy groups, the home improvement giant is now explaining its hiring process and its provision of reasonable accommodations in more detail and in easier-to-understand language from the start, according to disability groups. The new approach includes providing specific examples of accommodations for people with developmental disabilities, such as accessing a job coach or applying for a waiver from Home Depot’s online assessments.
Additionally, Home Depot is training employees more extensively on the changes and its inclusive and accessible hiring practices, the advocacy group said.
“Home Depot is taking decisive action to remove employment barriers by actively listening to people with disabilities,” said Katie Nease, CEO of The Ark. “This collaborative approach signals a shift toward real equity and respect for people with IDD to pursue meaningful careers.”
Home Depot spokeswoman Evelyn Fornes acknowledged that the company has worked with disability groups to reduce barriers and improve access to employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but declined to comment further.
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