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.
• Entries must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
  
  

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.

1. 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


2. Career Growth & Employee Support (40 points total)
• 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
  


3. ​​Commitment to Disability Inclusion & Advocacy (40 points total)
• 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)

“Special Mention” recognition will be awarded to businesses that earned 30 or more points in any section of the application.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by the Alachua County Citizens Disability Advisory Committee and Equal Opportunity staff. All decisions are final.