WorkSource

Hiring People with Disabilities

“Once an overlooked talent pool, people with disabilities are contributing to the American economy in ways never imagined in previous generations.”

Thomas J. Donohue
President and CEO of US Chamber of Commerce

Businesses need workers, and people with disabilities are an untapped source of dependable employees. In general, workers with disabilities have higher than average retention rates and company loyalty.

U.S. employers will face a shortage of 10,000,000 workers by 2010 (151 million vs. 141 million), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to Census 2000, 49.7 million people (19.3 percent of the population) have some level of disability; in Florida the estimate is 22 percent of the population. People with disabilities represent America’s largest minority group, but only 32 percent of Americans with disabilities ages 18-64 are employed. More than two-thirds who are unemployed would rather be working.

Hiring people with disabilities can also help employers tap an enormous market niche. People with disabilities have a combined income of more than $1 trillion and $220 billion in discretionary income. In comparison, the teen market controls $140 billion. Research has shown that a majority of households patronize businesses with people with disabilities in their advertising.

The WorkSource Disability Navigator Initiative is working to bring businesses qualified employees with disabilities who want to work.

Is your business interested in a no-cost customized training session that addresses recruiting, accommodating and hiring people with disabilities?

The WorkSource Navigator will provide training at your worksite for HR, management, or workforce staff. Topics covered include: disability awareness and sensitivity, reasonable accommodations, tax incentives, customized jobs (job carving) and how to create a corporate culture built on diversity and trust.

For more information on Disability Navigator Customized Training, contact a Disability Navigator at the WorkSource Center nearest you. Click here for locations.