Employer Resources
In addition to specific resource categories below, there are various websites that cover many aspects of business assistance such as: The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer for Small Business, Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN), Department of Services for the Blind, and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology).
Recruiting, pre-screening and hiring
Project Hire is a collaborative effort between the Thurston County Chamber, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Pacific Mountain Workforce Consortium to help highly functional and skilled individuals with disabilities find rapid employment opportunities in high demand fields throughout Thurston County.
An information packed social networking community to assist in hiring disabled workers.
Job performance, productivity, attendance, and retention
Myths and Facts about Workers with Disabilities
Information about common misconceptions regarding hiring workers with disabilities.
An informative brochure about employer concerns, tools, and resources.
Business Employer Support Team (BEST)
BEST representatives are available statewide to assist employers trying to keep an employee with disability productive, find qualified applicants with disabilities, reducing hiring costs, or embrace workforce diversity programs.
Your bottom line: tax credits, deductions, financial incentives
Read what businesses have to say about the financial impact of hiring employees with disabilities.
Direct link to IRS site listing tax benefits available to business that hire workers with disabilities.
Worksite modification and job accommodations
The Job Accommodation Network or 800.526.7234
The Job Accommodation Network for Employers is a resource for workplace productivity enhancements and reasonable accommodation solutions.
Resources to help employers accommodate workers with disabilities.
Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center or 800.949.4232 V/TTY
Up-to-date information, referrals, resources, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA)
Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATAP)
Assistive technology information, referral, consultation, and training on the selection of AT devices, services and funding.
General Information
The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer for Small Business
An excellent resource to help small businesses understand the ADA and how it affects their business.
Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Resource for people with disabilities and businesses embracing individuals with disabilities as part of the workforce pool. Business services are customized and generally available at no-cost. They include recruitment, candidate screening, accommodation, retention, and cost/benefit analysis.
Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN)
A network of employers who educate and support businesses in hiring, retaining, and improving customer service for people with disabilities.
Department of Services for the Blind
Provides various services for employers interested in accommodating or hiring workers with vision loss, as well as offering assistance to persons who are blind or visually impaired.
DO-IT Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology)
Works to create the participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers. Promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment.
Other National Resources
U.S. Business Leadership Network (BLN)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)