One of the nation’s largest retailers is teaming up with disability advocates to make its hiring procedures more welcoming toward job applicants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Home Depot conducted a comprehensive review and is making changes to its approach to entry-level hiring and providing reasonable accommodations as a result of a partnership with The Arc of the United States, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Chicago-based Equip for Equality, the groups said.

The steps are designed to “avoid the potential for unintended screen out of applicants with IDD,” according to the disability advocacy groups.

At the recommendation of advocates, the home improvement retailer is explaining the company’s hiring process and the availability of reasonable accommodations in more detail and using plain language up front, the disability groups said. The new approach includes providing specific examples of accommodations for people with developmental disabilities such as receiving assistance from a job coach or requesting a waiver from Home Depot’s online assessment.

In addition, Home Depot is training its staff on the changes and on inclusive and accessible hiring practices more broadly, the advocacy groups said.

“By proactively listening to people with disabilities, The Home Depot is taking decisive action to dismantle employment obstacles,” said Katy Neas, chief executive officer at The Arc. “This collaborative approach marks a shift toward true equity and respect for people with IDD to pursue meaningful careers.”

Evelyn Fornes, a spokeswoman for Home Depot, confirmed that the company worked with the disability groups to reduce barriers and improve access to job opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but she declined to comment further.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.