Finding reliable entry-level talent is increasingly challenging, yet high school students with disabilities remain an underutilized and capable workforce. This session explores how Purdue University’s dining operations built a sustainable pipeline by partnering with local job coaches and adapting onboarding for neurodiverse and physically disabled students. Using real-world examples and success stories, attendees will see how inclusive hiring can improve operational outcomes, strengthen community partnerships, and support a purpose-driven total rewards strategy. This session offers practical tools for HR, talent acquisition, and management professionals to broaden their workforce and enhance organizational impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover strategies to access underrepresented populations with disabilities and partner effectively with local education systems and job coaches.
• Learn how to design inclusive onboarding and training that meets the needs of neurodiverse and physically disabled employees while reinforcing existing programs and engaging supervisors.
• Understand the total rewards implications of inclusive hiring, including its impact on workforce stability, employee morale, retention, and aligning organizational values with purpose-driven culture.