Making Smart Decisions

HR Assistance for Hiring Individuals with Disabilities

Did you know. . .

• More than 50 million Americans report having some level of disability
• The employment rate for individuals with disabilities is only 38%
• That's 8 million people who want to work, and are able to work, yet are stuck on the sidelines

The gap between available jobs and available workers with the skills needed in those jobs could grow to 35 million or more in 5 years. Yet, individuals with disabilities remain an untapped resource of potential workers. Fortunately, resources are available at low or no cost to assist employers to support the employment of individuals with disabilities.

Businesses can find help at a network of 10 regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs). The DBTACs offer information and referrals, technical assistance, public awareness, and training on all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Technical Assistance
Employers can contact a technical assistance specialist through a national toll free information line, (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY). These specialists will provide information and answer questions on employment, architectural access, effective communication and other issues.

Training
Businesses can access an array of training programs ranging from Web courses to on-site, customized sessions for large groups of employers and businesses. 

Materials and Resources
Each regional DBTAC maintains an online, searchable database of ADA and disability-related publications, ranging from legal documents to fact sheets and checklists. Employers can request copies of publications.

Hiring workers with disabilities is not only the smart thing to do, it's the right thing to do. 

 Locate the DBTAC in your area

Partners:

• TransCen, Inc.
• DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Resources:

• ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal (PDF)
• ADA Guide for Small Businesses (PDF)
• ADA Quick Tips: Tax Incentives (PDF)
• Business Tax Credits and Deductions for Employment of People with Disabilities (PDF)
  • Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction 
  • Disabled Access Credit 
  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit 
• Disability and HR, Tips for Human Resource Professionals (Cornell University)
• Locate the DBTAC in your area  
• Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities