Disability NI has announced a new accreditation scheme, the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland.
The Disability Positive Accreditation scheme focuses on the Disability Positive practice in Northern Ireland, recognising employers who recruit and support disabled employees.
Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Director of Operations at Employers for Disability NI, said: “We are delighted to be launching such an important initiative. Currently, people with disabilities are at least twice as likely to be unemployed, which is very concerning and something that Employers for Disability NI is determined to change.
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“With this new accreditation, we hope it will encourage employers to think differently about disability in the workplace and show them that some of the best employees in terms of work quality, attendance and motivation, have disabilities."
A network of employers from across the public and private sector, including BBC Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, and Translink, Employers for Disability NI’s members employ more than 20% of the NI workforce.
Angela Getty, Section Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Ulster University, said: “We are delighted to be among the first to achieve this accreditation."
“Equality, Diversity and Inclusion continues to be a key priority for us at Ulster University and this accreditation verifies our commitment to ensuring that we are an open and inclusive institution that celebrates and welcomes disabled people. “
To attain accreditation, employers must complete a Disability Positive Audit, which focuses on employment-related disability good practice.
Employers can use this audit to show areas where they are implementing Disability Positive practice and identify where action is needed to enhance standards.
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