We are new to disability initiatives, where do we start?What makes the National Business & Disability Council unique?
Who are people with disabilities?
Why hire people with disabilities?
I use local resources, why do I need NBDC?
How much does an average accommodation cost?
Where can I get information about a specific disability?
When I become a member, do other offices in our organization have access to NBDC services?
Why should we market to people with disabilities?
How do we market to people with disabilities?
Are speakers available for seminars, webinars, workshops and conferences?
We are new to disability initiatives, where do we start?
The NBDC can assist you every step of the way – from making the business case and securing the commitment of top management, to developing and implementing a plan that includes creating a welcoming environment for applicants and employees with disabilities, assuring that facilities are accessible, establishing relationships with referral sources, training staff in appropriate interviewing techniques, making reasonable accommodation, supervising and managing employees with disabilities, assuring that employees with disabilities have access to all the benefits and privileges of employment, to developing special initiatives worthy of being considered Best Practices. Membership Specialists at the NBDC can also assist you in putting together a plan of action that meets your organizations particular needs. They can be reached at (516) 465-1519.
What makes the National Business & Disability Council unique?
The National Business and Disability Council (NBDC) is an integral part of The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profit organizations that Provides a lifetime of services-In education (Pre-K through High School); Transition Services; Vocational Training; Counseling and Placement; Workforce Diversification Assistance.
NBDC is a comprehensive resource for Fortune 1000 companies seeking to integrate people with disabilities into the workplace, marketplace and supply chain, and a preeminent business member organization for disability thought leaders to share best practices and develop innovative solutions for culture change and the growth of a truly inclusive workforce.
Who are people with disabilities?
Tthe Americans with Disabilities Act defines a person with a disability as someone who
(1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more “major life activities,”
(2) has a record of such an impairment, or
(3) is regarded as having such an impairment.
However, according to the The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), what did change is the meaning of some of the words used in the definition and the way those words are to be applied to individuals. Therefore, the Amendments Act and the regulations do not change an employer’s ADA obligations. However, the breadth of the new definition of “disability” means that many more employees and applicants will be “protected,” which in turn means that employers are vulnerable to claims from a larger class of individuals and will have to consider reasonable accommodations in many more cases than before.
While the mention of disability typically brings to mind individuals who are wheelchair users or who are deaf or blind, persons with arthritis, back injury, cancer, diabetes and many other health-related conditions, may be considered individuals with disabilities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about About 56.7 million people – A ratio of 1:5 or 19% of the population – had a disability in 2010. U S Census Bureau.
Why hire people with disabilities?
Recruit from an untapped resource of qualified workers from entry level to professional (There will be an estimated labor shortage of 10 million workers in 2006). Reduce staff turnover. Research has shown that workers with disabilities have had fewer job changes and absences than workers without disabilities, and safety records equal to or better than their peers with disabilities. Demonstrate your organization’s social responsibility to the communities in which it does business. Reflect the composition of the consumer market – this will impact product design, service delivery, and, ultimately, the bottom line. Access the resourcefulness and creativity of people with disabilities, many of whom, of necessity, have become “master” problem solvers. Benefit from federal and state tax credits when applicable Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Tax-Benefits-for-Businesses-Who-Have-Employees-with-Disabilities.
I use local resources, why do I need NBDC?
We encourage our members to utilize local recruiting resources in filling open positions. An extensive listing can be found in our Yellow Pages. In addition, NBDC provides access to our National Resume Database so that members may identify applicants with disabilities with at least two years of college or more or equivalent technical training. However, NBDC services go far beyond applicant referral – beginning with creating a welcoming environment to staff training and facility accessibility through supervising employees with disabilities, making reasonable accommodation, and much more.
How much does an average accommodation cost?
Most accommodations costs under $500. Many are procedural like flextime, scheduling to facilitate use of public transportation, and job restructuring, requiring no direct costs. For many sophisticated accommodations, like the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, financial support may be available through state offices of vocational rehabilitation.
Where can I get information about a specific disability?
The NBDC Yellow Pages contains specific links. If you don’t see what you are looking for, contact NBDC Information Services at (516) 465-1519.
When I become a member, do other offices in our organization have access to NBDC services?
Yes, we encourage you to add other individuals in your organization with human resources, recruiting, employee relations, diversity, and marketing responsibilities to your contact list.
Why should we market to people with disabilities?
The 56.7 million Americans with disabilities constitute the largest minority in the nation. People with disabilities make up a huge consumer market with plentiful opportunities. Within the households of the over 50 million Americans with Disabilities:
• 73% are the heads of households
• 46% are married
• 58% own their own homes
• 48% are the family’s principle shoppers
With yearly disposable income in excess of $230 billion dollars, people with disabilities are a powerful force in the marketplace.
Studies have shown that four in every ten consumers are reached when promotional efforts are aimed at people with disabilities. What’s more, companies connect with all consumers – disabled and non-disabled – and receive positive feedback. The result? Brand-loyal relationships, increased sales, goodwill, and changed public perception.
How do we market to people with disabilities?
NBDC can help you to better understand the needs of this market through technical assistance in product development or by conducting research prior to the launch of your advertising campaign. We provide the expert evaluation and first-hand feedback that can drive your decisions in the right direction.
Among the most potent tools we offer:
• Focus groups of people with disabilities who represent your customers and/or prospects
• Awards of Honor program
• Sponsorship opportunities available both regionally and nationally
• Links from our website directly to yours
Are speakers available for seminars, webinars, workshops and conferences?
Yes, our team of professionals includes specialists in education, employment and assistive technology for people with disabilities and is well versed on a broad range of disability related topics. To inquire about a speaker, please contact Kim Brussell, Director, Development & External Relations, at 516.465.1608 or kbrussell@viscardicenter.org.
