October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

By Rock Island Today Reports

Oct 24, 2021

Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Inc issued the following announcement on Oct. 19

“America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” is the theme for this October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. As we continue to recover from the economic turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, this often untapped or underutilized segment of our workforce could be a viable asset to our region’s workforce growth and development. It’s a great time for businesses to review their policies and commitments to creating a more inclusive workplace environment to ensure that people with disabilities are represented.

Businesses may also benefit from certain incentives through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.

There are many businesses in the Quad Cities that are reaping the benefits of connecting with organizations that can assist with hiring individuals with disabilities - Kelly Services, the Butterworth Center, and Arconic to name a few.

Or if you want to contract for services with organizations that hire disabled employees, The Arc and Handicapped Development Center offer services such as painting, assembly and paper shredding.

Jenny Miller, Director of Community Employment Services at The Arc of the Quad Cities, wants businesses to know that there are “a lot of benefits to hiring a diverse workforce.” She says that expense is often a concern for the businesses, but often the accommodations can be made at very little or no cost, and often those accommodations can benefit the entire workforce.

The Quad Cities has a variety of organizations that can assist in hiring and placement of new employees with disabilities. They will consult with you, answer questions, evaluate the workplace, make recommendations and advise on accommodations.