Ensuring Online Job Postings are Compliant and Accessible to Individuals With Disabilities

There are several steps that employers can take to ensure their online job postings are compliant and accessible to individuals with disabilities:

• Provide alternative formats: Offer alternative formats such as large print, audio recordings, or Braille for individuals with visual impairments.
• Use proper formatting: Use proper formatting such as headings, lists, and bullet points to make the job postings more accessible to individuals using assistive technology.
• Include accessibility statement: Include a statement in job postings that the organization is committed to accessibility and that accommodations can be requested for the application process.  See our example below:
  • COMPANY is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
    If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email xxxx@COMPANY.com or call: xxx-xxx-xxxx. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
• Use accessible language: Use simple, clear language in job postings and avoid using jargon, slang, or technical terms that may be difficult for some individuals to understand.
• Test the accessibility: Test the accessibility of the online job postings using automated testing tools or by testing them with individuals who use assistive technology.  Free online programs such as WAVE and FAE are highly effective in assisting employers in this task.
• Use Accessible Technology: Use technology that is accessible for individuals with disabilities, such as providing text descriptions for images, providing alternative text for infographics, and making sure that the website is compatible with screen readers.
• Train employees: Train employees on how to create accessible job postings and how to respond to requests for accommodations during the application process.

By following these steps, employers can help to ensure that their online job postings are compliant and accessible to individuals with disabilities, reducing the risk of discrimination and ensuring compliance with accessibility laws and regulations.