October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme:
"Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities"

Hiring and retaining qualified employees is the number one staffing issue cited by employers - a growing concern as we begin to experience the impact of a shrinking and aging workforce. The knowledge, skills and abilities that employees bring to work each day are the assets that yield the most output over the long term. Whether good economic times or bad, it's the organization that knows how to identify and recognize talent that are the most likely to succeed.
 
To access the widest pool of talent, employers must foster an inclusive work culture that considers the needs of all employees and potential employees, including those with disabilities. Such inclusive thinking not only helps recruit skilled employees, but also enhances a business' efforts by helping retain the talents of an aging workforce. Being inclusive of people with disabilities in recruitment, retention and advancement can offer businesses a competitive edge. People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with an ability to adapt. They also symbolize an important and expanding customer base.
 
The information on these pages is designed to assist employers in making their workplace and work culture one of inclusiveness for all people. If upon review of it you have questions or comments, please contact any of our project staff.


Adding Value to Small Business

Diversity leads to innovation. By fostering a work culture respectful of individual differences, employers benefit from varied perspectives on how to confront challenges and achieve success. In fact, most of today's most successful companies proudly deem diversity a core corporate value.

Although often used in reference to diffeences in race or ethnicity, diversity actually encompasses a wide range of attributes and experiences, including disability. This intersection is the premise behind Add Us In, a new U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) initiative that aims to assist small businesses - including the rapidly increasing number of those owned by diverse individuals - to employ people with disabilities.

A major goal of Add Us In is to identify successful, replicable models adopted by small businesses in different industries. Thus, ODEP is encouraging small businesses to share their experiences related to the employment of people with disabilities. As part of this, a National Diversity Forum will be held on August 4, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Businesses interested in participating should email huberman.michael@dol.gov.

Small businesses are the engine of economic growth in the U.S. Through effective disability employment policies and practices, they also have the power to drive innovation through diverse perspectives - strengthening not only the nation's economy, but also its ideals.

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