Fable is a Toronto-based company on a mission to make digital experiences more accessible for everyone. The organization helps teams build inclusive products by connecting them directly with people with disabilities for user research, testing, and training. But Fable’s commitment to accessibility doesn’t stop at the product level. Recognizing the importance of living its values internally, the company has embedded inclusion and accessibility into the core of its recruitment and hiring practices.
Redefining inclusive recruitment and hiring
Launched on July 3, 2023, Fable’s hiring initiative was built to reflect the same standard of accessibility it promotes with clients. The program, titled Redefining Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring, is a comprehensive, accessibility-first recruitment process aimed at proactively eliminating bias and cand removing barriers at every stage of the candidate experience. The goal is not just to accommodate but to intentionally design an experience where equity is the default.
Accessibility-first design, measurable impact
Fable’s approach begins before a role is even posted. Accessibility reviews are built into job scoping, hiring managers receive proactive bias and inclusion training, and interview panels are intentionally structured for diversity. Tools used in the process are tested and approved by assistive tech users to ensure real-world usability.
Key features include:
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Pre-role accessibility checks and inclusive job design
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Bias training for all hiring managers
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Diverse, structured interview panels
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Use of vetted, accessible hiring tools
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Post-onboarding surveys to monitor experience quality
The results speak for themselves. Fable’s job offer acceptance rate remains close to 100 percent. Retention improved from 65 percent to 85 percent within a year. Their Diversio recruitment score sits at 10.0, compared to the 8.4 industry standard. Satisfaction scores from new hires average 4.67 out of 5, with no scores below “Good.”
Creating a candidate-first culture
Fable’s hiring process has gained a reputation for being respectful, thoughtful, and seamless. Even candidates who are not hired often share unsolicited feedback about the positive experience. This outcome is the result of a system designed not only to minimize bias but also to center the lived experiences of people with disabilities from the outset.
According to Fable’s internal data:
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73 percent of employees identify as having a disability, a figure 51 percent higher than the Canadian average
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LGBTQIA+ representation is well above industry average
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Inclusion and engagement scores have steadily increased
These results reinforce Fable’s standing as an employer that leads with values, not just policy.
A sustainable model for equity
Fable Tech Labs has proven that inclusive hiring is both achievable and advantageous when designed with intention. By treating accessibility as a foundational principle rather than an afterthought, the organization has built a recruitment system that is equitable, efficient, and aligned with its mission. The outcome is a high-performing, diverse team that reflects the community Fable serves and sets a new standard for what inclusive hiring can look like.
