October 11, 2012

by: Renee Canfield

The Business Case

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Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job. There’s a solid business case, too. Here are just a few of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities:

Return on Investment

Businesses that employ people with disabilities turn social issues into business opportunities. These opportunities translate into lower costs, higher revenues and  increased profits.

INCREASE REVENUES

  • Access new markets-individuals with disabilities are the largest minority group in our country!
  • Improve productivity through innovative and effective ways of doing business-individuals with disabilities are constantly challenged to find different ways of doing everyday tasks.

REDUCE COSTS

  • Reduce hiring and training costs-find ways to keep a valued employee if they develop a disability.
  • Increase retention-data shows that once hired, individuals with disabilities stay in their jobs longer than their peers.
  • Reduce costs associated with conflict and litigation.

ENHANCE SHAREHOLDER VALUE

  • Capitalize on opportunities to meet business goals.

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Marketing

Customers with disabilities and their families, friends and associates represent a trillion dollar market segment. They, like other market segments, purchase products and services from companies that best meet their needs. A large number of Americans  also say they prefer to patronize businesses that hire people with disabilities. Another of the benefits of employing people with disabilities is increasing your opportunity to gain a lasting customer base.

CAPITALIZE ON NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

  • Mirror the market to attract a wider customer base.
  • Increase your market share.

DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

  • Respond to marketplace needs.
  • Lead your market.
  • Increase profitability.

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Innovation

Innovation is key to your business’ success. Employees with disabilities bring unique  experiences and understanding that transform a workplace and enhance products and services. As part of your team, employees with disabilities help build your business and can lead your company into the future.

WORKPLACE INNOVATION

  • Create more efficient and effective business processes.
  • Develop and implement management strategies to attract and retain qualified talent.
  • Use technology in new ways to increase productivity.

PRODUCT AND SERVICE INNOVATION

  • Stimulate new product and service development through disability-inclusive diverse teams.
  • Customize products and services to increase profitability.

DEFINE THE FUTURE

  • Foster the development of next-generation products and services.

(Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy)


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