The Department of Labor has unveiled the AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework, a significant initiative aimed at guiding employers in integrating artificial intelligence into hiring technologies to mitigate employment discrimination and tackle the challenges faced by job seekers with disabilities. This framework, created by the Office of Disability Employment Policy in partnership with the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology, builds on the comprehensive guidelines provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework and its best practices for inclusive hiring. The development of this guidance was enriched with input from a diverse array of stakeholders, including disability advocates, AI experts, government bodies, industry leaders, and the public.
Core themes within the framework include effective AI risk management, the implementation of disability-inclusive hiring practices, and the fostering of inclusive workplace cultures. The framework outlines practical recommendations, strategic goals, and illustrative activities designed to seamlessly integrate AI governance with initiatives aimed at disability-inclusive hiring. Taryn Williams, the assistant secretary for disability employment policy, highlighted that while AI has the potential to enhance recruitment processes, it also significantly influences workplace culture and the inclusion of employees with disabilities. This publication supports the White House’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, aiming to foster equitable digital hiring practices.
The overarching objective of the AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework is to strike a balance between leveraging the advantages of AI in the recruitment process and fostering an environment of inclusivity and non-discrimination. By providing detailed, actionable guidance, the framework ensures that employers can create and maintain an inclusive hiring environment that effectively incorporates the use of AI technologies.
