USBLN, a national non-profit helping businesses achieve disability equality and inclusion, has helped thousands of candidates with disabilities land a job. This year, the USBLN Going for the Gold program is working with 20 companies to advance an inclusive culture, improve recruitment, and expand retention policies. In April 2018, the program announced participating companies have hired over 8,000 candidates with disabilities.

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have a disability; people with disabilities have now become the third largest untapped talent pool. Globally, 15% of the population experience some form of disability. Yet, the U.S. unemployment rate for people with disabilities sits at 8.2 percent as of March 2018, nearly twice that of those without disabilities.

Through the Going for the Gold (GFG) program, the USBLN is aiding 20 Fortune and Global 500 companies achieve the “gold standard” in hiring and fully including individuals with disabilities in their workforces.  This first-of-its-kind initiative provides customized, high quality consulting services from subject matter experts who are recognized leaders in disability inclusion. GFG companies can also leverage the Disability Equality Index (DEI), a benchmarking tool intended to help companies identify opportunities for continued improvement, as well as help build a reputation as employers of choice. Armed with that information, GFG companies have a roadmap to advance disability inclusion across their enterprise.

The GFG companies participate in other USBLN programs, as well. 57 professionals from 13 GFG companies volunteered as mentors for the USBLN Rising Leaders Mentoring Program, a six-month career mentoring opportunity that matches college students and recent graduates with disabilities to business professionals from USBLN partner companies. Individuals from GFG companies have also interviewed Rising Leaders at the Rising Leadership Academy, a two-day networking and career readiness opportunity for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. This academy takes place in conjunction with the USBLN Annual Conference. GFG participating companies attend the Annual Conference to share best practices, acquire new ideas, and learn from industry leaders.

The USBLN Going for the Gold (GFG) program has established a sustainable pipeline of candidates with disabilities for internships, co-ops and employment by forming strong relationships with sourcing partners. Visit USBLN to learn more about this program, other disability equality and inclusion workplace initiatives, and the 2018 Annual Conference.