Legislation would direct the New York State Department of Labor to establish a certification program promoting neurodiverse hiring, workplace inclusion, and employee training.
A New York lawmaker has introduced legislation that would create a voluntary state certification program for employers that complete training designed to support neurodiverse employees and foster more inclusive workplaces.
Assembly Bill A00038, sponsored by Assemblymember Burdick, would require the New York State Department of Labor to establish the “Neurodiversity Training Pledge,” a voluntary training and certification program for employers across the state.
Supporters say the initiative would help businesses better understand neurological differences while expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions.
State would oversee certification program
Under the proposal, the Department of Labor would develop and administer the training program in consultation with several state agencies and organizations.
Those entities would include the Office of Employee Relations, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services–Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCESS-VR), and the Office of the Chief Disability Officer.
Employers completing the training would receive certification through the Neurodiversity Training Pledge program.
Training would focus on workplace inclusion
The bill directs the Department of Labor to create an online or virtual training program covering a variety of workplace topics related to neurodiversity.
Required subjects would include education and awareness regarding autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other neurological conditions.
The training would also address the benefits of neurodiverse workplaces, strategies for creating inclusive interview processes, workplace accessibility, reasonable accommodations, website accessibility, and methods for supporting neurodiverse employees.
Another component would focus on corporate partnership training related to qualifying for preferred source procurement status.
Supporters cite growing focus on disability employment
According to the bill’s legislative memorandum, New York has recently adopted laws and launched initiatives intended to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The memorandum states that the success of those efforts depends in part on workplace training and increased hiring of neurodiverse individuals.
“The Department of Labor is well-positioned to lead a voluntary program for businesses that pledge to undertake neurodiversity training for their employees and adopt best practices for a neurodiverse workforce,” the memorandum states.
Similar proposal introduced previously
A similar measure was introduced during the 2023-24 legislative session and was referred to the Assembly Rules Committee but did not advance into law.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect 90 days after being signed into law.
Key Points
• Assembly Bill A00038 would create the voluntary Neurodiversity Training Pledge certification program for employers.
• The training would cover autism, ADHD, dyslexia, workplace accommodations, accessibility, and inclusive hiring practices.
• Employers completing the program would receive certification from the New York State Department of Labor.