How "Well" are We DEI-ing? Applying Technical and Professional Communication Theory and Disability Justice to Challenge Intersectional Ableism in Job Advertisements Through Coalitional Recruitment

Abstract

Purpose:This article integrates an ableism studies framework with disability justice principles to interrogate how medical insurance job advertisements may circulate ableist assumptions that impede corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and social justice efforts. Method: I use critical discourse analysis and thematic coding to analyze how normative ableist assumptions present in job advertisements and DEI documents may exclude prospective employees with disabilities as well as multiply marginalized identities such as Black women. Results: Through my analysis, I demonstrate how normalizing assumptions related to productivity, rationality, independence, and corporate assimilation may contribute to the exclusion of multiply marginalized employees. Conclusion: I ultimately provide data-driven insights regarding what I refer to ascoalitional recruitment to help practitioners construct more equitable job advertisements attuned to disability justice.