Inclusive Hiring through Technology: A Recruitment Platform for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

The current world development has been characterised by an increase in technology as people are currently interacting at a very high pace, and this includes individuals who have neurological and intellectual disabilities, including Down’s Syndrome, Asperger, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability and Mental Retardation. The project develops a digital job search product for individuals with ID. This study presents ‘Workability’, a digital platform designed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in India, striving to create an inclusive environment and facilitate improved job placements and social participation. Applying User-Centered Design (UCD) principles, the research involved collaboration with ID individuals, corporate employers, and vocational training centres. The methodology encompassed a preliminary study, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and surveys, culminating in a digital interface that offers accessible, customisable features such as speech-to-text and image recognition capabilities. Feedback from a diverse participant pool of over 60 individuals in the initial phase and 25 in subsequent phases informed iterative design enhancements. Results indicate that ‘Workability’ significantly empowers ID individuals by enabling easier access to employment opportunities and fostering community integration. The project concludes that by leveraging technology to capitalise on the abilities and preferences of ID individuals, it is possible to reshape the scope of employment and social engagement for this demographic, advocating for a more inclusive society in India. The project’s core objective is to make the prevailing system more inclusive, where people with ID will not be marginalised solely based on their condition but fully integrated into societies through the provision of streamlined and specialised placement services for employment that capitalise on their abilities and preferences.