Every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to America’s workplaces. However, in both good economic times and bad, people with disabilities have far fewer job opportunities than the general population. The knowledge, skills, and abilities employees bring to work each day are by far the assets that yield the most output over the long term. Organizations that know how to identify and recognize talent are most likely to succeed. Being inclusive of people with disabilities—in recruitment, retention, and advancement—can offer companies a competitive edge that will contribute to this success. At work it’s what people CAN do that matters. These economic challenges are an additional hurdle. But the biggest obstacle to placing people in jobs is negative stereotypes.

Sometimes workers with disabilities change a workplace for the better simply by their presence, even if their contribution appears small when measured against an employee who can do everything. Workers with disability bring a new diversity to the community…one that inspires us all to be courageous and find new ways to work together. To learn how visit Employers page on this website.

Labels: competitive, opportunities, talent

There are many ways to measure progress.

The discovery of talent and matching it to a place where that talent can make a difference is like oxygen to a mountain climber nearing the summit of Mt. Rainier. Who wouldn't be bored and "have negative and disruptive behaviors" stuck in a sheltered workshop sticking labels on plastic bags for 15 years, earning about 15 bucks a month? People we thought couldn't possibly do much more, are showing us that they can learn to read, use a computer, communicate, and complete complex tasks. Anyone who can move a body part, whether unaided or with assistive technology can do something productive and work.

The community and local businesses are learning too. Sometimes workers with disabilities change a workplace for the better simply by their presence, even if their contribution appears small when measured against an employee who can do everything. Workers with disability bring a new diversity to the community....a presence that does not instill weariness....rather one that inspires us all to be courageous and find new ways to work together.

Labels: diversity, talent, workers