•  Building Diversity
•  Recruitment
•  Hiring
•  Evaluating the Workplace
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  • Reasonable Accommodation
  • Accommodation Solutions
  • Accessibility Checklist
•  Retention
•  Become a Top Employer
•  Employer Resources
•  Q & A
•  ADA ABC'S
•  Myths and Facts
•  Support For Employers
•  Working Together

Financial Incentives
Incentives for small and medium-sized businesses make tapping into the disability community an attractive recruiting strategy. There are three tax incentives - the Small Business Tax Credit, Architectural and Transportation Tax Deduction, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit - available to help employers cover accommodation costs for employees or customers with disabilities to make their business environment more accessible. For more information, click on http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/GCEPD/bustaxcredits.htm.

Resources to Get Started
Employers who want to hire people with disabilities but who need help getting started will find a host of resources to help. Here are a few to get you started:

• The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) is the national business organization currently representing BLN chapters in 32 states and more than 5000 employers using a "business to business" strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce. The BLNs provide an opportunity for employers to identify and share best practices on the employment of people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) endorses the BLN concept of business-to-business mentoring to help create job opportunities for people with disabilities. Visit their web site at http://www.usbln.org/. Connecticut is also in the process of developing a Business Leadership Network. Stay tuned to Connect-Ability for details.
• The Connecticut Department of Labor has a comprehensive web site of disability information for employers. Topics include everything from assistive technology to federal and state resources, to assistance with recruitment and workplace accommodations. To access this site, click on http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/pwd-Employers.htm.
• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can help you hire, retain, and promote qualified employees/applicants with disabilities. The organization provides accommodation options and practical solutions, including ways to accommodate a person with a disability in the classroom or other training environment. JAN also addresses issues pertaining to accessibility, and is nationally recognized as a prime resource for employers. To learn more, click on http://www.jan.wvu.edu/portals/private_er.htm.
• The Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) is the nation's premier provider of cost-free services to help employers recruit and hire qualified workers to meet their workforce needs. In addition, EARN assists employers in understanding the practical business reasons for, as well as the practices that facilitate the recruitment and hiring of people with disabilities. EARN is an initiative funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under the Department of Labor (DOL). To reach EARN, visit http://www.earnworks.com/index.php.

Success Stories
The following web sites feature success stories of employers who are now benefiting from the skills and talents of employees with disabilities:

http://www.earnworks.com/employers/success/employer.asp
http://www.connect-ability.com/media/videos.php