1. Success Strategies For Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
Dr. Darleen Claire Wodzenski
Orchard Human Services, Inc.
[770]

2. Success Strategies For Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
“There’s place and means for every man alive.”
- William Shakespeare

3. Success Strategies For Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
Part I – Overview of Resources and Laws
Part II – Success Strategies

4. After this presentation, attendees shall be able to
Identify benefits of hiring special populations
Access related laws and resources
Utilize 7 strategies to maximize success

5. General Benefits of Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
Promote Social Justice
Encourage organizational equity and diversity
Create opportunities for deserving individuals
Create hope in minds and hearts of individuals with disabilities and their families

6. Employer Benefits Tap underutilized talent pool
Facilitate recruiting – Financial Benefit
Establish dedicated workforce
Detail oriented and focused workforce
Minimize employee turnover – Financial Benefit
Enhanced employer public image – Financial Benefit
Tax credits – Financial Benefit

7. Individuals with Disabilities
Strategies to Engage
Individuals with Disabilities
Direct Hire
Internship Program
Employment Agency
Engage Services Thru Services Agency
Veteran Related Organization
Engage Contractor Who Hires Special Populations

8. Organizations Who Train, Place, Support Individuals with Disabilities
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Bobby Dodd Institute
Tommy Nobis Center
All About Developmental Disabilities
Resource Sheet - OrchardHumanServices.org/hire

10. Who Must Comply with ADA American with Disabilities Act
Private employers, state and local government, agencies
Employers cannot discriminate against qualified applicants and employees on the basis of disability
ADA's requirements apply to employers with 15+ employees
Two-Phase Implementation for smaller employers

11. Employment Practices Regulated
By Title I of ADA
Employers cannot discriminate against people with disabilities in regard to any employment practices or terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. This prohibition covers all aspects of the employment process, including continued

12. Employment Practices Regulated
By Title I of ADA
application
promotion
testing
medical exam
hiring
layoff/recall
assignments
termination
evaluation
compensation
disciplinary actions
leave
training
benefits

13. Undue Hardship Title I of ADA
An employer is not required to provide an accommodation if it will impose an undue hardship.
Undue hardship is defined by the ADA as an action that is:
"Excessively costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the business."

14. Job-Related Qualification Standards
The ADA does not restrict an employer's authority to establish needed job qualifications, including requirements related to -
Licenses or certification
Physical and mental abilities
Health and safety
Other job-related requirements, such as judgment, ability to work under pressure or interpersonal skills.
Education
Skills
Work experience

15. 7 Strategies for Employers under ADA
education
skills
work experience
licenses or certification
physical and mental abilities
health and safety
other job-related requirements, such as judgment, ability to work under pressure or interpersonal skills.

16. 7 Strategies for Employers
Education
Skills
Work experience
Physical and mental abilities
Health and safety
Judgment
Interpersonal skills

17. 1. Education Make implicit explicit Break info down into small bites
Repeated exposure and review
Practice applying info to work situation
Routine practice and review

18. 2. Skills Basic skills Technical skills Interpersonal skills
Problem solving skills
Ability to represent brand

19. 3. Work Experience Training programs Internships
Trial/Practice placements
Volunteerism
Life experience

20. 4. Physical and Mental Abilities
Employee health and fitness program
Lunch + learn health/fitness classes
Discounted membership at gym/facility
Weekly job satisfaction/performance talks
Refer to agencies for ongoing support

21. 5. Health and Safety Make implicit explicit
Break health and safety rules into smaller bites
Post rules in obvious places
Routine review/testing of rules and regulations
Employee recognition program
Employee of the week

22. 6. Judgment Lunch + learn scenario play Situation of the Day Challenge
Role play real work situations
Work with supportive agencies
Employee recognition program

23. 7. Interpersonal Skills Practice, practice, practice
Lunch + learn interpersonal skills review
After hours and weekend workshops
Collaborate with agencies
Invite local educators, therapists, trainers to guest speak
Weekly job satisfaction/performance talks

24. OrchardHumanServices.org/hire
Access this presentation plus
Resources Sheet At:
OrchardHumanServices.org/hire
Dr. Darleen Claire Wodzenski
Orchard Human Services, Inc.
[770]