Jobs for Neurodivergents: Portal Links Talent to Inclusive Employers

Author: Microsoft
Published: 2022/05/13 - Updated: 2025/05/31
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Informative
Category Topic: Job Positions Vacant - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information outlines the launch of the Neurodiversity Career Connector (NDCC), a specialized job portal developed by the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable in collaboration with Disability:IN. The NDCC connects neurodivergent job seekers - including individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette Syndrome - with U.S. employers actively engaged in neurodiversity hiring initiatives. Prominent companies such as Microsoft, Dell Technologies, EY, Google, HP, and SAP participate in this initiative, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive employment practices. The platform not only offers job listings but also provides support mechanisms like job coaches, mentorship programs, and manager training to facilitate successful employment experiences.

This resource is particularly valuable for individuals with disabilities and seniors seeking accommodating work environments, as it bridges the gap between a skilled, often underrepresented talent pool and employers recognizing the benefits of diverse cognitive perspectives. The credibility of this initiative is reinforced by its backing from established organizations and its focus on structured support systems for both employers and employees - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

To address the lack of neurodiverse talent hiring, member companies of the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable are launching the Neurodiversity Career Connector (NDCC), a career portal dedicated to neurodivergent jobseekers.

Main Content

This new job marketplace connects neurodivergent people with companies already committed to neurodiversity hiring programs. Currently, the Neurodiversity Career Connector features job listings by U.S. employers seeking applicants who are neurodivergent. This commonly includes but is not limited to autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and/or Tourette Syndrome.

"It's a phenomenal resource," says Jason Ross, who recently landed a cybersecurity job through NDCC. "It's made for us, by us. That level of understanding, baked in from the jump, is a meaningful distinction for this platform versus going on any general job platform and throwing your resume into the world."

The Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable includes a group of nearly 50 companies with neurodiversity hiring programs and support systems in place for new employees. The goal of the group is to decrease job barriers and increase neurodiversity hiring in the workplace.

"Neurodiverse individuals possess key competencies that are increasingly valuable to companies, such as strong problem-solving skills and unconventional thinking," says Jill Houghton, President and CEO, Disability:IN. "A growing number of companies are seeing the value that diversity and inclusiveness brings to a company, and that's why Disability:IN is proud to support the Neurodiversity @ Work Roundtable and help companies activate programs that work to hire neurodivergent candidates."

According to the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable, there are ways to increase support for neurodivergent candidates such as:

• Assign job coaches/mentors.
• Take advantage of the trainings offered through the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable for managers of employees hired through the Neurodiversity Career Connector.
• Allott time weekly for employees to connect with other employees to share feedback on their lived experience. This is especially important for those who are in a remote work environment.

Employer Roundtable

The Employer Roundtable is powered by Disability:IN to help close the disability employment gap. The Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable started in 2017 with six founding members: DXC Technology, EY, Ford, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and SAP. Since 2017, over 40 additional employers have joined the Roundtable - all with a commitment to and experience in hiring and supporting neurodivergent talent.

The Roundtable employers have collectively hired 1,400 neurodivergent employees through their dedicated neurodiversity hiring programs, spanning across industries and company size. This includes, but not limited to, those identifying as autistic as well as those with ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and/or Tourette Syndrome.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Microsoft and published on 2022/05/13, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.