National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Having such awareness educates the public and creates job opportunities, thus encouraging those with disabilities to gain more skills. Staff Management is here to shine a spotlight on the varied contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workforce and the economy.
According to U.S. Census data as of 2021, 7.7% of working-age adults in New Jersey between 18-64 years old are disabled. Only about 30% of disabled working-age adults are employed, whereas 66% of those without disabilities are employed.
As reported by Riemer Hess LLC, there is a $5,000 annual earnings gap between working adults who are disabled versus not disabled.
“We need the employers to understand that hiring people with disabilities is not necessarily as challenging as they might think,” stated Mercedes Witowsky, the executive director for the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Support services are available to guide job seekers through the hiring process step by step. Organizations like the Arc of New Jersey provide job coaches for application assistance and interview coaching tasks.
These coaches also aid in onboarding and training, staying with the employee as long as needed. Importantly, this service is free for employers.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities work in various industries, with a focus on food services and retail. Recent partnerships have expanded job placements in customer service and offices.
Hiring those with disabilities benefits both employers, who receive tax incentives, and employees who enjoy standard employment perks. Inclusive hiring practices also boost employee retention by 90%, as observed in an Arc study with the New Jersey Department.
Work with us at Staff Management, an equal employment opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, age, creed, national origin, sex, disability, etc. Learn more about the power of diversity in the workplace.
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