diane loud institute for community inclusion [email protected]
TRANSCRIPT
The business case for hiring workers with disabilities
Positive effect on bottom line, through increased retention, greater productivity, and access to workers with the skills you need
Gives you a competitive edge, access to qualified workers in a shrinking workforce and insight into a multi-billion dollar market segment
Employee benefit costs are reduced when disabling conditions are accommodated on the job
*from EARNworks data
Another benefit to business
In A national survey of consumer attitudes towards companies that hire people with disabilities, Siperstein, Romano, Mohler, and Parker (2006) found that 92% of consumers felt more favorable toward employers that hire individuals with disabilities, and 87% would prefer to give their business to them.
Why aren’t more businesses hiring workers with
disabilities? Data show that many employers express
willingness to hire workers with disabilities, but say that they do not have a good understanding of where to find resources for hiring, accommodations, and retention*
Partnering with provider agencies can help!
*Butterworth, J., & Pitt-Catsouphes, M.(1997); Dixon, K., Kruse, D., & Van Horn, C. (2003); US DOL
Why partner with providers?
Opportunity to get assistance with & resources for hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, including recruitment, accommodations, & training
Provide you with a reliable source of job applicants
Provide disability awareness trainings for your staff to improve work culture and diversity acceptance
Give your company some exposure
PUBLICLY FUNDED AGENCIES AND SYSTEMS: Who are they?
Publicly and privately operated Examples:
Public vocational rehabilitation Community rehabilitation providers One-Stop Career Centers
Target population varies Types of services available vary
Pre-placement Post-placement - short-term & long-term
Level of interaction with employer varies
HOW CAN OUTSIDE AGENCIES HELP?
Referral of job candidates Help employer understand how individual with
disability can meet business need for qualified, productive personnel
Provision of pre and post-placement supports Knowledge & assistance with:
Accommodations and assistive technology Training and job support Performance issues Work Opportunity Tax Credits
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN OUTSIDE AGENCY
Support, assistance, expertise as needed ---customized to you
Learning about & responding to business needs
Use of business language & jargon
Respect for your workplace & work culture
Simplicity: not a lot of extra work & hassles
Good, responsive customer service
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT FROM AN OUTSIDE
AGENCY
Taking care of the hiring process for employer
Disclosure of information about person’s disability, beyond what individual has permitted
Handling of tasks that the employer typically does for employees e.g., orientation, training
Resolving issues for you that are typically handled in an employer-employee relationship But assistance & support should be available
when requested & needed
Connecting Businesses with Workers
What are Projects with Industry? Funded by the US Department of Education The purpose is to create and expand
competitive job and career opportunities for workers with disabilities
Businesses represent a significant stakeholder in these projects, through participation in Business Advisory Councils and closely working with providers to identify opportunities, the skills and knowledge needed, and advise on best practices
PWI Provider Characteristics
Providers who receive PWI funding have demonstrated the capacity to provide job readiness services, skills training, and follow-up consultation to job seekers
Employers identify post-placement follow-up by providers as the most beneficial feature of working with PWI*
Employers who have worked with PWI have recommended increased marketing and expanding business relationships*
*RSA/US DOE report 2003
BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCILPARTICIPATION
Regularly-scheduled meetings where businesses can share resources on employing workers with disabilities
Planning practical, applied trainings (e.g., working with interpreters, funding accommodations)
Providing information to agencies on labor market trends, job opportunities, and skills needed for positions
Mutual benefit to employer and provider
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH AGENCIES
Serve on Business Leadership Network Host Disability Mentoring Day activities Attend employer education events Offer to review resumes, hold mock
interviews, mentor job seekers Attend disability-specific job fairs, send
job listings to agencies Connect with Disability Program Navigator
or other staff at One-Stop Career Centers Make a commitment to do something
new!!
Where can I get more information?
Louisiana Business Leadership Network -- www.lbln.org
Society for Human Resource Management -- www.shrm.org or www.gbrshrm.org
United States Business Leadership Network -- www.usbln.org
Louisiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation --http://www.dss.state.la.us/departments/lrs/Vocational_Rehabilitation.html
www.foremployers.com Louisiana Department of Labor:
www.ldol.state.la.us