United States Department of Labor

Integrated Employment Toolkit

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Q&A: Employers

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1. Are there flexible and customized arrangements for hiring people with disabilities that can help my business?

Title Author Resource Customized Employment: Solutions for Employers The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy Webcast This video presents customized employment as an innovative strategy for employers to increase efficiency, featuring models of success. (00:03:37) The Employer View on the Business Value of Hiring People with Developmental Disabilities The Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WiSe)) Webcast Hear from large and small employers in Washington State about their experiences hiring people with developmental disabilities in this short video. The video also includes information on referral sources for new job candidates, training employees with developmental disabilities, and support from community employment agencies. (00:04:26)

2. Where can I find examples of employers who have had success hiring people with disabilities?

Title Author Resource Walgreens Program Puts the "Able" in Disabled MSNBC URL A Walgreens distribution center in South Carolina is well on the way to reaching its goal of filling at least one-third of its 800-person workforce with people with disabilities. See how this major chain store accommodates, appreciates, and promotes its diverse workforce. Successful Customized Employment Placement Videos Connect-Ability Webcast These videos share the stories of people with disabilities who work in a wide range of professions, from biological laboratory technician to staff attorney at a legal clinic to trucking company owner. (Approximately 00:03:00 each) The Employer View on the Business Value of Hiring People with Developmental Disabilities The Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WiSe)) Webcast Hear from large and small employers in Washington State about their experiences hiring people with developmental disabilities in this short video. The video also includes information on referral sources for new job candidates, training employees with developmental disabilities, and support from community employment agencies. (00:04:26) Customized Employment: Solutions for Employers The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy Video This video presents customized employment as an innovative strategy for employers to increase efficiency, featuring models of success. (00:03:37)

3. Are there business-led efforts to promote hiring people with disabilities?

Title Author Resource U.S. Business Leadership Network Web Site   URL More than 5,000 employers are members of U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) affiliates, which support businesses in recruiting people with disabilities to meet their staffing needs. USBLN offers training on disability employment policy and workplace issues, disability mentoring and internship programs, and networking. Business Making a Difference: The InterContinental Hotels Group Virginia Commonwealth University PDF This joint publication of The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention explores opportunities for people with disabilities and employers in the hospitality industry to work together to advance their careers and businesses. It includes an analysis of issues and opportunities in the hospitality industry workforce and a profile of IHG's Corporate Training Initiatives. Walgreens Program Puts the "Able" in Disabled MSNBC URL A Walgreens distribution center in South Carolina is well on the way to reaching its goal of filling at least one-third of its 800-person workforce with people with disabilities. See how this major chain store accommodates, appreciates, and promotes its diverse workforce.

4. What resources are available for information about hiring and accommodating people with disabilities?

Title Author Resource Job Accommodation Network Web Site   URL The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free source of expert guidance on workplace accommodations, disability employment issues, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Businesses can access JAN publications or its database of accommodation resources online, or call or email to talk confidentiality with one of its experienced consultants. The Realities of Hiring People with Disabilities Howard Green PDF This fact sheet addresses some of the concerns employers might have about adding a person with a disability to their staff, including addressing performance standards and the cost of accommodations. Workplace Accommodations: Inexpensive and Effective Virginia Commonwealth University PDF See how two major corporations - IBM and Bank of America - have developed programs for recruiting and retaining people with disabilities. This resource also addresses some common questions about an employer's responsibility to provide accommodation. Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Employers The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) PDF Employers can use this form to collect requests for reasonable accommodations from employees. Tax Incentives for Providing Business Accessibility The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy PDF This Office of Disability Employment Policy guide explains the Disabled Access Credit for small businesses and the architectural/transportation tax deduction for barrier removal. It addresses what expenses are and are not covered, how the incentive is claimed, and eligibility guidelines.

5. What resources are available for recruiting and hiring people with disabilities and how can I determine if they
can help meet my hiring needs?

Title Author Resource Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) Web Site   URL The EARN Web site contains a collection of resources about recruiting and hiring workers with disabilities, covering topics such as affirmative action, interviewing, job duty modification, return to work, employee assistance programs, and creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. "I Can" PSA (Close Captioned) The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Campaign for Disability Employment URL The materials developed by the "What Can You Do?" Campaign for Disability Employment can be used to promote an inclusive environment at your office or work Web site. In addition to the Public Service Announcement, this Web site contains other promotional resources including posters, Workplace Discussion Guides, logos, web and print ads, and social media connections. (Spanish-language resources also available.) "I Can" PSA Workplace Discussion Guide The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Campaign for Disability Employment URL Employers can use this resource to start a discussion among employees about making their workplace inclusive. The guide suggests ways to address misconceptions about the capacity of people with disabilities to work, the benefits to all employees of having an inclusive workplace, and changing attitudes. Job Accommodation Network Web Site   URL The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free source of expert guidance on workplace accommodations, disability employment issues, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Businesses can access JAN publications or its database of accommodation resources online, or call or email to talk confidentiality with one of its experienced consultants. Customized Employment: Put it to Work for Your Business The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy PDF This guide explains customized employment as a flexible work arrangement and a universal benefit to employers and employees.