Untapped Talent: The Business Case for Disability-Inclusive Hiring 

• Focus on strengths and give candidates flexible ways to demonstrate their abilities. 
• Use simple accommodations to increase independence and improve the workplace for everyone. 
• Partner with community organizations for support throughout hiring, training, and retention. 

During a panel discussion as part of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Untapped Talent Series, leaders from Chick-fil-A Northville, Corewell Health, and Living and Learning Enrichment Center explored how disability-inclusive hiring can expand regional talent pipelines, strengthen workplace culture and retention, and create meaningful employment opportunities. The conversation, moderated by Gillian Ryan, Manager of Employer Engagement at the Detroit Regional Chamber, emphasized a clear message: employers can unlock untapped talent by focusing on individual strengths, offering practical workplace support, and remaining open to new approaches. 

Employers can begin building a more inclusive workforce by recognizing each candidate’s strengths and remaining open to different ways of demonstrating skills. Individuals often understand what they need to succeed and may simply require an opportunity to approach a task or interview differently.  

“Presume competence and be prepared for them to surprise you,” Amy Bonser, the Senior Director of Talent at Chick-Fil-A Northville, said. “That mindset can help employers look beyond traditional hiring practices and consider job shadows, work trials, and hands-on assessments that allow candidates to show what they can contribute.” 

Once an employee is hired, practical supports can make the workplace more accessible while improving training and communication across the organization. Tammie Clapper, Equity and Inclusion Partner of Corewell Health, highlighted straightforward accommodations such as labels, clearly outlined tasks, and job coaching, many of which can be implemented at little or no cost. These changes can also benefit the broader team.  

“Many of these accommodations that we’ve put in place help other team members as well,” she said. “Checklists, visual instructions, consistent tasks, and additional initial training can increase independence and make workplace processes more effective for everyone.” 

With the right support in place, meaningful employment can create lasting benefits for employees, families, and businesses. Living and Learning members have earned promotions, pay increases, expanded hours, and workplace recognition while developing greater confidence and independence. By creating those opportunities and working with experienced community partners, employers can connect with dependable, motivated talent ready to contribute. 

“Success is not measured by limitations,” Ethan Erlandson, Assistant Director, Vocational Services at Living and Learning Enrichment Center, said. “It’s really measured by the opportunity that can be provided to them.”