AHEAD and Employers for Change Launch the WIDE Framework
WIDE launched at major disability inclusion event in the Convention Centre Dublin
AHEAD, in partnership with Employers for Change, are delighted to announce the launch of the Widening Inclusion of Disability in Employment (WIDE) Framework.
This marks the culmination of a two year development process funded by the Department of Social Protection.
WIDE – Your Roadmap to an Inclusive Workplace
The launch of the WIDE platform was celebrated today at a landmark event in the Convention Centre Dublin entitled ‘Disability Inclusive Workplaces – Past, Present and Future’.
What is WIDE?
The Widening Inclusion of Disability in Employment (WIDE) Framework supports organisations on the island of Ireland to hire, retain, and promote more disabled people and create a more inclusive workplace.
It is built on academic literature and significant consultation with disabled people, employers, and disability organisations. The development process was guided by a 21-member national advisory group which included representatives from Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business representative groups, unions, HR networks and government agencies/departments. You can see who was involved and learn more about the development process on the Framework Development page.
About the WIDE Platform
The Framework itself consists of 6 Domains, each one featuring “Areas of Effort” containing related “Actions” – 53 in total. Every Action comes with guidance, resources, and links to relevant legislation. The platform is designed to be used in different ways by different sizes of employers. Some will simply dip in to get guidance in specific Areas, while others will sign up for an account and use the self review tools to systematically evaluate themselves against all 53 actions. The self review tools are available to any organisation with a base on the island of Ireland.
Additionally, the WIDE Resource Library and Supplier Directory ensure employers can access subject-specific resources to implement various aspects of the Framework, and find the Suppliers they need to support them.
Find Out More
To learn more about the framework visit the About section of this website, and delve deeper on how to get the most from it in the User Guide.