People With Disabilities, a Valuable Human Resource Tool

“There is a direct benefit to expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For employers who are projected to face labor shortages as the baby-boom generation retires, non-employed people with disabilities represent a valuable tool of human resources to help fill those needs. For people with disabilities, employment has not just economic value, but important social and psychological value as well. For government, increased employment of people with disabilities helps increase tax receipts and decrease social expenditures. Finally, as recognized in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there are societal benefits from greater inclusiveness in mainstream society as the barriers facing people with disabilities are dismantled.”
John R. Vaugh, Chairperson
National Council on Disabilities

“We find the best in everyone and put it to work. There is a job for every person, and there is a person for every job ... Considering labor and skills shortages we are facing in [the] United States, we believe that our linkages to organizations supporting people with disabilities is a business-critical strategy.”
Branka Minic, Director, Workforce Development
Manpower, www.earnworks.com

 

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Employing a person with disabilities through Customized Employment

Customized Employment means individualizing the relationship between job seekers and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. It is based on a determination of the unique strengths, requirements, and interests of a person with a complex life. The process is designed to meet the workplace needs of the employer and the discrete tasks of the position. When a customized relationship is developed, a shared employment alliance results.

Customized Employment is negotiating job duties or employee expectations to align the skills and interests of a job seeker with a disability to an employer’s needs. This negotiation results in a job description that describes a customized relationship between employer and employee. The goal is to negotiate Customized Employment options that benefit both the employer and the job seeker. The result is a shared employment alliance.

AtWork! Employment Consultants help the new employee perform tasks, complete specifics of the job, and understand the culture of the business with training and coaching. The length of time needed will vary depending on the individual’s support needs and training requirements. Employment Consultants ensure that job expectations are clear to the new employee, the employer and the `support team. When needed the Employment Consultant helps communicate the need for reasonable accommodations.

When the new employee and the employer agree that it is time to transfer responsibility for support from the AtWork! Employment Consultant to the workplace, the consultant will fade from the work site, allowing the employee to gain independence on the job. The consultant continues to check in as needed to ensure that success continues. When job responsibilities change or when there are changes to the normal routine, the consultant can step back in to provide additional training or coaching.

To learn more about Customized Employment and how your business might benefit from the commitment and dedication of an employee with disabilities, please contact Marshal Boyer (Ph 425-274-4052), our Community Liaison, for an appointment.