Survey Finds Misconceptions Affect Hiring of Workers with Disabilities

A survey of the nation’s employers finds that misconceptions and confusion about the barriers of hiring people with disabilities exists amongst employers.

Contact: Thomas MacLellan
Employment & Social Services Policy Studies by Adele Gagliardi
NGA Center for Best Practices

According to the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development’s report, people with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in the labor market, despite their desire and ability to work. The report suggests that in today’s labor market, where jobs and job requirements change frequently, employers can benefit by expanding the talent pool for recruitment by reaching people with disabilities.

According to the report, although employers said they are willing to hire people with disabilities, many employers have not, and do not provide training to make hiring feasible. Employers cite discomfort or unfamiliarity with disabled workers, the belief that work cannot be performed by people with disabilities, and a fear of the cost of accommodation as barriers. Yet, a majority (73 percent) of employers who hire individuals with disabilities report that the disabled worker did not require accommodation, and employers with more experience actually employing people with disabilities are less likely to fear the cost of accommodation.

The survey points to areas where employers can expand the talent pool for recruitment at relatively little cost by reaching more people with disabilities. Some employers have made changes to their workplace and businesses to better attract and accommodate individuals with disabilities by developing accessible recruiting materials and conducting outreach. For example:

* 49 percent have made recruiting and interview locations accessible;

* 11 percent have developed targeted recruiting and position advertising methods;

* 12 percent have changed the format of job applications, tests or evaluations used for hiring or promotion; and

* 7 percent have changed the company’s website to make it more accessible to people with disabilities.

http://www.nga.org/center/frontAndCenter/1,1188,C_FRONT_CENTER%5ED_5297,00.html