Employer Information for Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
The information here is for employers interested in giving job experience and people in the IDD population interested in acquiring job experience. Some employees may require additional training and accommodations to assist with doing their job tasks or enhance their learning. Due to various difficulties, employers must consider these difficulties. Below are questions to consider for working with the IDD population, training, and accommodations to build a more independent and inclusive environment.
- What is an intellectual disability?
Recognizing and understanding the different intellectual disabilities that are present can create positive solutions. Changing the perspectives of potential employees with intellectual disabilities and familiarizing yourself with what resources are available are essential for creating a more inclusive workplace and community. Below are some resources where you can learn more about intellectual disabilities.
- How can I accommodate those with an intellectual disability?
Accommodation begins with the employee with disabilities requesting accommodations. Recognizing what accommodations are reasonable is key for a productive workplace. Gathering the information for recognizing people’s needs demonstrates good morals and efforts for resolving workplace conflicts. Below are resources available for accommodating someone with an intellectual disability.
- How can I make things easier if someone is having difficulty understanding directions or completing a task?
Use simple and concise language when explaining directions. Demonstrate the task instead of explaining. Be patient and allow additional time. Modify work schedule/environment.
These are additional tools that are beneficial when hiring someone with IDD.
provides information on how to properly obtain, use, and disclose medical information. In addition, it provides specific examples for employers on how they can accommodate those with intellectual disabilities.
explores the different types of intellectual disabilities, HR’s role in accommodations, supervision procedures, and improving employee relations in the workplace.
The U.S. Department of Labor created as a tool for the employer. While providing information to those with disabilities on important information for interviews, it is just as important to educate employers on how to interact during the interview. This webpage provides information on appropriate interactions and equitable treatment for these applicants.
The University of Wisconsin: Employee Disability Resource Office created as a quick, to-the-point resource on questions that are and are not allowed for an employer to ask during an interview. There are explanations and exceptions at the bottom of the page to better help guide the employer as he or she prepares for an interview with an applicant in the IDD population.
The Ask Jan website (www.askjan.org) is perfect for researching all the different and effective accommodations, strategies, and tips for people of all disabilities.
Employer Resources & FAQs
Below are snapshots and resources for employers working with a person with a disability.
- “62% of adults with ID employed in a competitive setting have been at their current job for 3 years or more.”
- “81% of adults with ID employed in a sheltered setting have been at their current job for 3 years or more.
- Statement of importance
- 89% of employers of individuals with intellectual disabilities reported DEPENDABILITY
- 88% of employers of individuals with intellectual disabilities reported ENGAGEMENT
- 87% of employers of individuals with intellectual disabilities reported INTEGRATION WITH CO-WORKERS
- 79% of employers of individuals with intellectual disabilities reported WORK QUALITY
- I'm considering hiring someone with a disability. What do I need to know?
- What are employers of people with disabilities saying?
- Does saying I’m interested mean I have to hire someone?
- What tax breaks are available for employing a person with a disability?
- What are common accommodations that a person with an intellectual or developmental disability needs?
- Who can I talk to if I want to learn more?
I'm considering hiring someone with a disability. What do I need to know?
In our society, there is a lack of understanding of what those with intellectual or physical disabilities are capable of achieving in the workplace. The misunderstanding of this population has created a stigma around hiring people with disabilities. Our goal is to raise awareness through actual experiences and relationships with those in this population to prove their individual worth to businesses in our community.
What are employers of people with disabilities saying?
Through conversations with employers who have vast experience in working with people with disabilities, we have the understanding that every individual has a unique skill set to offer. One of these employers is Sohn Stancell of SSC Services for Education. From Sohn’s perspective, "Stop doing the same hiring pool over and over. Reach out to a new pool of employees that are dedicated, punctual, and willing to work with you for years and years to come."
Does saying I’m interested mean I have to hire someone?
No. Expressing interest in collaborating with us does not mean you are agreeing to hire anybody, but are simply willing to consider a person with an intellectual or developmental disability and be willing to understand any potential work accommodations to be the most successful at work if they were to apply to your business.
What tax breaks are available for employing a person with a disability?
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit for businesses who hire a person with a disability within a target group of people who face barriers to employment. The target group for individuals with IDD would be considered ““vocational rehabilitation referral”. The employer would fill out the Form 8850 prior to the individual starting employment. For more information, visit Work Opportunity Tax Credit
- Businesses who accommodate their employees with disabilities are entitled to tax breaks for the accommodations that provide thousands of dollars in tax credit. These can be listed under Form 8826, Disabled Access Credit. Tax Benefits for Small Businesses Who Have Employees With Disabilities
What are common accommodations that a person with an intellectual or developmental disability needs?
Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Workplace and the ADA This link has several real-life examples and lists of common accommodations that an employee with an intellectual disability may need to thrive in their work environment. Please explore this page for examples of what you can expect when you hire someone with a disability. Accomodations can range anywhere from having tasks broken down into parts or having a visual schedule to complete tasks when they first learn a new task.
Who can I talk to if I want to learn more?
Call or email the OT Program Secretary, Baliee Karnowski, at bkarnowski@umhb.edu or (254) 265-8642 and ask for more information about the Cru Work Skills Program.
Page last updated October 21, 2022