Blog Navigation: Business Insights and Spotlights | Chamber Blog
07.30.25
Inclusive Hiring for Individuals With Differing Abilities: Why It Matters and How to Start
By Heidi Schultz, Workforce Engagement Coordinator, FMWF Chamber
Learn how inclusive hiring for individuals with differing abilities can strengthen your workforce and why this shift is critical for long-term success.
If your organization struggles to find and retain talent, it may be time to ask: Who’s being left out.
Countless skilled individuals with differing abilities are ready to better utilize their talents within the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and the surrounding region. Yet too often, hiring systems overlook this valuable talent pool because they focus on traditional molds.
Inclusive hiring is about smart business. Hiring individuals with differing abilities strengthens organizations. A few small changes and making use of available resources can open doors and help you capitalize on hiring from this untapped talent pool.
Want to go further? Join our Discuss, Connect, Reflect session on August 13 to hear from local experts and walk away with strategies to implement inclusive hiring practices in your organization.
Who We’re Talking About
“Individuals with differing abilities” includes a broad spectrum of people with physical, cognitive, developmental or mental health-related disabilities. Like any workforce demographic, strengths and needs vary.
However, many hiring systems unintentionally limit access through:
- Rigid job descriptions
- Inaccessible applications
- Inflexible roles or schedules
- Misconceptions about capabilities
The good news? These challenges are often unintentional, but solvable. Fixing them benefits everyone!
How Inclusive Hiring Strengthens Your Workforce
Hiring individuals with differing abilities is a forward-thinking business strategy that enhances productivity, culture and innovation.
Inclusive hiring helps you:
- Expand the talent pool: Find candidates who are highly reliable, engaged and often overlooked.
- Boost morale and culture: Inclusive environments foster empathy, teamwork and belonging.
- Improve problem-solving: Diverse experiences lead to fresh ideas, adaptability and better problem-solving.
What Inclusive Hiring Looks Like in Practice
Inclusive hiring doesn’t require a full organizational overhaul. Start with small steps:
- Offer part-time or job-sharing options
- Create roles to match strengths
- Focus job descriptions on essential duties
- Ensure application process and interviews are accessible
- Use local partners to support onboarding
Learn From Local Experts on Aug. 13
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, The Chamber is hosting a Discuss, Connect, Reflect session focused on inclusive hiring for individuals with differing abilities. This one-hour virtual event will provide:
- Simple strategies to improve your hiring approach
- Insights into flexible models like job carving
- Resources and support networks available locally
- A real-world employer case study
Whether you’re new to the idea or already on this path, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence and practical ideas you can implement right away.
Let’s Build a Workforce That Works for Everyone
If you want your organization to grow stronger, stay adaptable and reflect the community you serve, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.
Join us Aug. 13 to learn how inclusive hiring for individuals with differing abilities can help you grow stronger, together.
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