Los Angeles County Launches Inclusive Hiring Initiatives for Neurodivergent Individuals

Los Angeles County is taking significant steps to enhance employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives they bring to the workforce.

Supervisor Janice Hahn recently introduced a motion, unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, to explore the feasibility of a Neurodiversity Hiring Pilot Program. This initiative seeks to align candidate skills with job requirements, ensuring that County departments can effectively match roles to the abilities of neurodivergent applicants.

The proposed pilot program will involve collaboration among various County departments, including the Departments of Aging and Disabilities, Economic Opportunity, and the County Library. The focus will be on developing best practices for integrating neurodivergent individuals into the workforce, assessing necessary accommodations, and establishing success metrics to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

In addition to this initiative, the County has implemented the Fair Chance Ordinance, which came into effect on September 3, 2024. This ordinance aims to eliminate discriminatory hiring practices that disproportionately affect individuals with criminal histories, promoting fair access to employment opportunities. By aligning with the California Fair Chance Act, the ordinance introduces compliance requirements and penalties at the local level, fostering a more inclusive workforce.

Furthermore, the County's Youth@Work program offers paid work experiences to young residents aged 14 to 24, including those who are neurodivergent. Participants engage in personal enrichment programming and gain hands-on experience in various sectors, building skills that meet the region's talent needs.

These initiatives reflect Los Angeles County's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable employment landscape, recognizing the value that diverse perspectives bring to the community and the economy.