EARN is a free resource that helps employers tap the benefits of disability diversity by educating public and private sector organizations on ways to build inclusive workplace cultures

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced a re-designed Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) on their Disability Inclusion website. The website is supported by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and Cornell University highlights the following four components of the employment lifecycle: recruiting, hiring, retention and advancement. It also explores how including people with disabilities helps employers meet diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals.

The resources include:

• Online training courses,
• Checklists,
• Policy guides,
• Videos, and
• Recorded webinars on issues related to disability inclusion.

The website also offers information on the following topics:

• Workplace mental health,
• Employment issues related to COVID-19,
• Inclusive telework,
• Federal contractor requirements, and
• The benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace.

OutSolve’s Take

Contractors should take advantage of these tools and evaluate how they can enhance their Affirmative Action Plan for People with Disabilities. For instance, in the recruitment section, there is valuable information on developing inclusive branding and messaging. Expressing a commitment to disability inclusion and implementing these ideas may help draw qualified candidates with disabilities to the contractor’s organization. If you have any questions or need help in implementing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, please contact OutSolve at info@outsolve.com or by calling 888-414-2410.