Disability-Friendly Employer Award
About this Award
This award recognizes local businesses that demonstrate a commitment to hiring, supporting, and advancing people with disabilities. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be determined based on the application, supporting documentation provided and total points scored.
Eligibility Requirements
- Employer must be located within the geographic boundaries of Alachua County.
- Award open to private, non-profit and public employers, with the exception of Alachua County government and City of Gainesville government agencies.
- Applications open on Monday, June 15, 2026.
- Deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
About the Application
The application has 3 sections, 4 questions in each section. Each question can earn up to 10 points, each section can score a maximum of 40 points.
- Hiring & Recruitment Practices (40 points total)
- Job postings showing disability-inclusive language
- Descriptions of hiring initiatives targeting people with disabilities
- Accessibility policies for interviews or applications
- Documentation of partnerships or programs to recruit people with disabilities
- Details of mentorship, leadership, or advancement programs for employees with disabilities
- Documentation of employees with disabilities in leadership or management roles
- Benefits plans that include disability-specific support (e.g., flexible work, disability leave)
- Documentation of an Employee Resource Group or similar support network
- Public statements, reports, or internal policies that promote disability inclusion
- Records of feedback initiatives (e.g., surveys, listening sessions) with employees with disabilities
- Evidence of engagement with disability advocacy organizations or community efforts
- Documentation showing ongoing efforts to improve inclusion year-round
Scoring
Each question will be assigned a score from 0 to 10 based on the response and supporting documentation submitted:
- 0 points = Not at all
- 5 points = Partially meets
- 10 points = Fully meets
Appropriate and sufficient documentation must be provided to support your response. Incomplete or missing documentation will affect your final score.
Award categories (maximum score possible is 120 points):
- Gold: 105-120 total points (min 35 points per section)
- Silver: 90-104 total points (min 30 points per section)
- Bronze: 75-89 points (min 25 points per section)
Applications will be reviewed and scored by the Alachua County Citizens Disability Advisory Committee and Equal Opportunity staff. All decisions are final.
