Expect. Employ. Empower . is the 2014 theme for National Disability Awareness Month held the annually each October. The purpose of this designated month is to provide education on disability employment issues and to recognize the many and varied contributions of Americas workers and potential workers with disabilities. (dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam) While the general unemployment rate of persons with disAbilities ( 12.8% )is still over twice that of non disabled (6.0% ), the labor participation rate is just 20.5% for persons with disabilities compared to the general population - 68.8 %, based on Bureau of Labor statistics for August , 2014- ages 16 - 64. These statistics will vary according to demographic groups. Yet many persons with dis Abilities do want to work. Businesses and organizations can benefit in many ways by hiring and promoting persons with disAbilities . (http:askearn.org) 1.Reduced Costs : A larger talent pool ( by deliberately including persons with disAbilities) helps avoid productivity losses incurred from unfilled positions. Persons with disabilities tend to stay on the job longer reducing turnover costs. Job Accommodations are high impact and low cost - often no cost and typically $500 (askjanorg./media/lowcosthighimpact.html) Leveraging tax incentives can result in $2400- $15,000 tax credits. Fortune Magazine reported that when Carolina Fine Snacks started hiring people with disabilities, employee turnover dropped from 80% to less than 5%, productivity rose from 70% to 95%, absenteeism dropped from 20% to less than 5% and tardiness dropped from 30% of staff to zero. 2.Increased Revenue : People with disabilities and their network represent $1 trillion dollars in discretionary spending .87% of persons prefer to give their businesses that hire persons with disabilities. (http:askearn.org/BusinessCase/roi) Businesses can turn social issues into business opportunities. Local educational services company , CENGAGE, Independence ,KY recognized that people with disAbilities have the potential to develop skills that can meet business needs. This past August their unique partnership with Project Search, Boone County Schools, Easter Seals and The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation was the beginning of a year long internship for 6 students with disabilities to acquire relevant workplace skills. ( cincinnati/story/news/2014/08/28/boone-county-project-search/14756825) Many other businesses and organizations ( usbln.org ) recognize that people with disAbilities have a variety of skills to pursue a variety of meaningful careers. Strong human capital strategies that include recruiting, hiring and retaining employees with disabilities are pivotal to maintaining your competitive advantage. There are many local agencies in our area that can be valuable resources to our area employers. Further information can be obtained by contacting NKSHRM member, Cheryl Martinez, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation ( ovr.ky.gov ) cheryla.martinez @ky.gov 859 372-8426 We invite you to attend our upcoming NKSHRM Meeting on October 16 from 11:30-1:30 pm featuring Rob Hudson, speaking on Disability Affirmative Action and Accommodating the Most Common Disabilities (https://nkyshrm.org- click on events
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 14:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015