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75% of individuals with disabilities have the desire to work, yet only 22% are employed. Here are a few reasons to consider diversifying your staff by hiring an individual with a disability:
- People with disabilities are reliable employees and have an overall higher job retention rate.
Many studies have shown that people with disabilities take less absent days, and that they are more likely to stay on the job longer than non-disabled workers.
- Employees with disabilities are less likely to get into work related accidents.
Studies conclude that workers with disabilities had a significantly higher performance in the area of safety than their counterparts without disabilities. In other words, employees with disabilities are more aware and conscientious of safety in the workplace.
- Businesses that hire people with disabilities may receive tax credits or other incentives.
Eligible businesses can receive certain tax credits to aid them in hiring and accommodating workers with disabilities. You can read more about the different types of tax credits and eligibility requirements on this page from the IRS.
- Workers with disabilities will increase diversity in the workplace.
Both workers with and without disabilities benefit equally from a diverse work setting. By working alongside employees with disabilities, individuals who are not disabled will become more aware about how to make the workplace and other settings more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
- People with disabilities are as capable as anyone else!
This is the most simple, but difficult reason for employers to understand about hiring workers with disabilities. Unfortunately, employers often refuse to hire individuals with disabilities, simply because they believe we are not capable of doing the job, or because they are unaware about the many adaptive techniques and devices that are available. Like anyone else, people with disabilities apply to jobs they believe they are qualified for and capable of doing!
The following page lists more common myths about hiring people with disabilities.
Assessment Sites
Not ready to commit to hiring an individual with a disability? The Arc of Shelby County always has a need for Assessment Sites that will allow our Employment Services team to do a short (2 to 4-hours) assessment with an individual to determine their interest and skills. Serving as an Assessment Site is not a commitment to hiring an individual and there is no cost or liability for the employer.
Disability Awareness Training
The Arc of Shelby County is available to provide Disability Awareness Training to you and your staff at no cost to you!
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