The Governors Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD)

GCEPDs Mission

Promote the employment of people with disabilities

GCEPDs Mission Produce and provide an environment that strives to include and integrate people with disabilities into the workforce

GCEPDs Mission Promote and establish initiatives designed to highlight the benefits of employing people with disabilities

GCEPDs Current Initiatives

Provide education and awareness on the benefits of hiring qualified candidates with disabilities

GCEPDs Current Initiatives Promote and support the activities of local communities throughout the state to enhance the employment of persons with disabilities

GCEPDs Current Initiatives Maintain a website of disability resources for both employers and job seekers

Hiring People with Disabilities Reasons why employers say they dont hire people with disabilities 66% - Lack of qualified candidates 39% - Not sure how to find qualified candidates Employment of Americans With Disabilities 2010 Survey

How do Companies Currently Recruit Individuals with Disabilities? Employee referrals - 70% Friends or word-of-mouth referrals - 62% Online job boards - 58% Non-Profits - 40% State or federal agencies - 39% Educational or training institutions - 36% Temp agencies - 31% Independent or Private recruiters – 20%

How Can Employers Find Qualified Employees with Disabilities?

How Can Employers Find Qualified Employees with Disabilities? Post your jobs in CT DOLs job bank CT JobCentral Contact one of the following State Agencies Department of Labor Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Board of Education and Services for the Blind Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Mental Health/Addition Services Department of Labor Bureau of Rehabilitation ServicesCommission on the Deaf and Hearing ImpairedBoard of Education and Services for the BlindDepartment of Veterans Affairs Department of Mental Health/Addition Services

How Can Employers Find Qualified Employees with Disabilities? (continued) Recruit Recent College Graduates

Workforce Recruitment Program In collaboration with the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. DOL, EARN administers the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).

Workforce Recruitment Program WRP connects private employers and government agencies to a database of +2,000 pre-screened, qualified college students and recent grads with disabilities seeking summer internships or permanent employment.

Workforce Recruitment Program Participants come from U.S. colleges and are selected for the program by professional recruiters following an extensive application and interview process. Contact the Career Development Center at local colleges.

Hiring Individuals with Disabilities Makes Good Business Sense Strong human capital strategies to maintain your competitive edge

Expand your talent pool by recruiting candidates with disabilities Gain access to a skilled and valued workforce Enhance diversity of your workforce with employees with disabilities Retain the skills and knowledge of employees who acquire disabilities

Hiring Individuals with Disabilities Makes Good Business Sense Lower labor costs by leveraging tax benefits Business Tax Credits and Deductions The IRS provides: Information and appropriate forms for small businesses to get a tax credit and a tax deduction for all businesses. The form that employers must complete when filing for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. For more info call:

Capitalize on New Market Opportunities Mirror the market to attract a wider customer base. Increase your market share.

Myths vs. Facts on Accommodations

Myths vs. Facts Myth Providing accommodations for people with disabilities is expensive. Fact % of Employers reported that: 73% - Their employees with disabilities required no accommodation at all. 50% - Accommodations were made at no cost. 42% - A one time accommodation cost less than $600.

Myths vs. Facts Myth Employees with disabilities do not stay in jobs long. Fact Employers reported that employees with disabilities have better retention rates, thereby reducing the high cost of turnover.

Myths vs. Facts Myth Employees with disabilities have poor attendance. Fact Employers reported that employees with disabilities have the same absenteeism rate as employees without disabilities.

Additional Disability Resources Connect-Ability - a statewide grant whose purpose is to identify and remove barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities. Connect-Ability provides tools and technical assistance to employers. Connect-Ability CT BLN - The Connecticut Business Leadership Network is a growing coalition of CT employers that are working together to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. CT BLN CTYLP - The Connecticut Youth Leadership Project is a program designed to help youth with disabilities realize their leadership potential. CTYLP

Additional Disability Resources JANJAN - The Job Accommodation Network offers employers free, expert and confidential one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. NEATNEAT - Located in Hartford, New England Assistive Technology provides information, services, equipment and devices to persons with disabilities. EARNEARN - The Employer Assistance and Resource Network is a national organization that supports employers in recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities through free consultation, technical assistance, and customized training.

The Governors Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Contact Us: 200 Folly Brook Boulevard Wethersfield, CT (860)