wHAT IS workforce?
A program created to recognize employers whose workforce includes employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are employed in an inclusive environment where they are supported, valued, and challenged.
Employing individuals with IDD makes smart business sense:
1. Employee retention - there is less job turnover for employees with disabilities
2. Performance - studies show nearly equal to superior performance ratings for employees with disabilities compared to their non-disabled co-workers
3. Positive Image - In a study done by University of Massachusetts, 87% of the American public said they would prefer to give their business to companies employing individuals with disabilities.
All of this information as well as more guidance on employing individuals with disabilities can be found HERE in the Creative WorkForce Solutions Toolkit
Employing individuals with IDD makes smart business sense:
1. Employee retention - there is less job turnover for employees with disabilities
2. Performance - studies show nearly equal to superior performance ratings for employees with disabilities compared to their non-disabled co-workers
3. Positive Image - In a study done by University of Massachusetts, 87% of the American public said they would prefer to give their business to companies employing individuals with disabilities.
All of this information as well as more guidance on employing individuals with disabilities can be found HERE in the Creative WorkForce Solutions Toolkit
WorkForce Program Criteria:
In order to become a partner in the program, employers must meet at least 75% of the following criteria:
1. Competitive - Wages same as any other employee without IDD
2. Regular - Schedule/Hours – Work a minimum of 15 hours/week
3. Meaningful - Part of a team, interacts with others and is depended upon. If they are not there, someone else will have to do their job. Furthermore, if they weren't hired, that position could’ve been filled with an individual without IDD.
4. Challenge - Tasks assigned for performance growth
5. Inclusive - Employment environment reflects community demographics
6. Evaluation – Constructive criticism to improve performance
7. Training - Staff trained for disability etiquette and prepared to collaborate as a team.
8. Standards – Consistent with others without IDD
AND
9. ADA – Physical accessibility for all patrons and employees.
10. Display - See The Ability Workforce certificate
1. Competitive - Wages same as any other employee without IDD
2. Regular - Schedule/Hours – Work a minimum of 15 hours/week
3. Meaningful - Part of a team, interacts with others and is depended upon. If they are not there, someone else will have to do their job. Furthermore, if they weren't hired, that position could’ve been filled with an individual without IDD.
4. Challenge - Tasks assigned for performance growth
5. Inclusive - Employment environment reflects community demographics
6. Evaluation – Constructive criticism to improve performance
7. Training - Staff trained for disability etiquette and prepared to collaborate as a team.
8. Standards – Consistent with others without IDD
AND
9. ADA – Physical accessibility for all patrons and employees.
10. Display - See The Ability Workforce certificate