How to use this checklist

Use it for every new hire. Neuro-inclusive onboarding helps people with dyslexia. It also helps everyone learn faster.

In Ontario, the AODA requires employers to tell new employees about policies that support employees with disabilities. Do this as soon as practical after they start.

General information, not legal advice.

New hire: ________ Manager: ________ Buddy: ________ Start date: ________

Before day one

• Send a short welcome email with the start time, place and first-day plan.
• Use bullet points and plain language.
• Ask: "How do you prefer to receive information?"
• Offer formats: print, digital, audio or a walk-through.
• Tell the new hire who to contact about accommodation.
• Set up assistive tools on their computer, such as text-to-speech.
• Assign a buddy who has time to help.

Day one

• Give a one-page summary of the first week.
• Walk through key policies verbally, not only in writing.
• Share your accommodation and support policies.
• Show where to find templates and checklists.
• Avoid long reading tasks on day one.
• Do not ask the new hire to read aloud in a group.

First week

• Break training into short sessions.
• Give instructions verbally and in writing.
• Share recorded training they can replay.
• Give time to practise tasks before assessing them.
• Hold a 15-minute check-in at the end of the week.

Week one check-in questions:

1. What has been clear so far?
2. What has been confusing?
3. Which format works best for you?
4. Is there anything you need that you do not have?

Notes: ________

First 30 days

• Agree on clear, written goals for the first 90 days.
• Confirm the tools and supports are working.
• Review any accommodation plan if one is in place.
• Ask the buddy for feedback on how onboarding is going.

First 90 days

• Review goals using task outcomes, not reading or spelling speed.
• Ask the new hire how onboarding could improve.
• Update your onboarding materials based on feedback.

Materials checklist

Sign-off

Manager: ________ Date: ________ New hire: ________ Date: ________