the advantages of hiring people with disabilities
October marked the annual celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month -- bringing to light the important role that people with disabilities can, and should, have in today's workplace. This designated month is a valuable way to spread the word about the value of hiring people with disabilities; however, the issue of disability employment is something that needs to be recognized year-round.Hiring people with disabilities makes sense for so many reasons. First and foremost, supporting a community of people that are an integral part of our community -- and giving them the same opportunities as everyone else -- is just, simply, the right thing to do. People with disabilities pay taxes, they volunteer in the communities in which they live and, most importantly, they want to work. Not only do they want to work, but they do their work exceptionally well – with studies showing that 90% of people with disabilities rated average or better on job performance, 98% of employees with disabilities rated average or better in work safety … and 86% of people with disabilities rated average or better on attendance.
When businesses hire people with disabilities, everyone wins. Businesses tap into a pool of highly motivated, skilled and hardworking employees with the highest quality of workmanship. Company morale goes up. Most importantly, people with disabilities get the opportunity to not only secure an income, but to foster their independence, gain a vital social network – and feel a true sense of happiness and "belonging" as they work in meaningful, productive jobs within the community.
Let's continue to raise awareness about the benefits of employing people with disabilities – and continue to benefit from the skills, talent -- and dedication -- that people with disabilities
can bring to the workplace.
