Frequently Asked Questions
I want to hire more people with disabilities. How do I get started?
As a Bellingham or Whatcom County business owner or executive, it is up to you to communicate the value of hiring people with disabilities with your staff and colleagues. Workers with disabilities bring a unique skill set and value to their places of employment. If you are interested in finding out more ways to incorporate workers with disabilities into your workforce, please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
How common are disabilities in the United States?
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, one in five Americans has a disability. As the population ages that number is expected to grow. We recognize people with disabilities when we see a wheelchair, a service animal or a person using sign language. We do not necessarily recognize people with invisible disabilities including people with epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, mental health conditions, arthritis, diabetes, learning disabilities, or other disabilities.
What performance standards should I have for my employees with disabilities?
You should hold all your employees to the same established performance standards for their positions. People with disabilities have the same skills as people without disabilities – the only difference is that they might do things differently.
What resources are available to help me attract candidates with disabilities?
Cascade Vocational Services provides free consulting on disability employment matters, as well as assistance in finding hardworking candidates. CVS staff can assist in giving you ideas and guidance. If you are interested in hosting a CVS employment specialist on a tour of your business, please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
Are there any health and safety issues associated with employing people with disabilities? What sort of accommodations does my business need to provide to workers that have a disability?
Many employees with disabilities require nothing more than the consideration you may already be providing to your current employees and customers. If you are a local Bellingham business, we know that a safe and healthy workplace is important to you and your customers, so you won’t have to go above and beyond what you are already doing. Sometimes, workers with disabilities can perform job tasks more productively with only a few simple accommodations. This includes the use of flexible work schedules or restructuring workstations. Some employees may require accommodations such as specialized software or a lower more accessible chair or desk. Accommodations are nothing more than tools to ensure that someone can be productive. Visit the Job Accommodation Network to learn more.
How much do workplace accommodations cost?
Reasonal workplace accommodations are typically low-cost or cost nothing at all. According to a 2007 JAN survey of 1,182 employers from a range of industries; 46% reported workplace accommodations cost absolutely nothing, while 45% experienced a low one-time cost.
How can we best attract and serve customers with disabilities?
You can strive to become recognized as a company which is disability friendly – one that is aware of the needs of people with disabilities and provides them and their extended networks with relevant products and services. Training your staff in disability etiquette will also give you a competitive advantage. If you are interested in more information on disability etiquette and trainings, please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
How do I prepare managers and employees for an inclusive workforce?
Very little preparation is required in order to introduce employees with disabilities into your workforce. Some managers and staff members may already be aware of disability matters, whereas others might require some training in disability etiquette. If you are interested in information on trainings or disability etiquette please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
Are there tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities?
Yes. Tax credits are available to help employers cover the cost of accommodations for employees with disabilities and to make workplaces accessible. View more detailed information on tax incentives.
What are the legal risks associated with hiring employees with disabilities?
The legal risks of hiring employees with disabilities are no different from hiring from any other candidate pool. The best way to reduce risk is to foster an inclusive work environment and to know the rights of all your employees.
As a Bellingham or Whatcom County business owner or executive, it is up to you to communicate the value of hiring people with disabilities with your staff and colleagues. Workers with disabilities bring a unique skill set and value to their places of employment. If you are interested in finding out more ways to incorporate workers with disabilities into your workforce, please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
How common are disabilities in the United States?
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, one in five Americans has a disability. As the population ages that number is expected to grow. We recognize people with disabilities when we see a wheelchair, a service animal or a person using sign language. We do not necessarily recognize people with invisible disabilities including people with epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, mental health conditions, arthritis, diabetes, learning disabilities, or other disabilities.
What performance standards should I have for my employees with disabilities?
You should hold all your employees to the same established performance standards for their positions. People with disabilities have the same skills as people without disabilities – the only difference is that they might do things differently.
What resources are available to help me attract candidates with disabilities?
Cascade Vocational Services provides free consulting on disability employment matters, as well as assistance in finding hardworking candidates. CVS staff can assist in giving you ideas and guidance. If you are interested in hosting a CVS employment specialist on a tour of your business, please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
Are there any health and safety issues associated with employing people with disabilities? What sort of accommodations does my business need to provide to workers that have a disability?
Many employees with disabilities require nothing more than the consideration you may already be providing to your current employees and customers. If you are a local Bellingham business, we know that a safe and healthy workplace is important to you and your customers, so you won’t have to go above and beyond what you are already doing. Sometimes, workers with disabilities can perform job tasks more productively with only a few simple accommodations. This includes the use of flexible work schedules or restructuring workstations. Some employees may require accommodations such as specialized software or a lower more accessible chair or desk. Accommodations are nothing more than tools to ensure that someone can be productive. Visit the Job Accommodation Network to learn more.
How much do workplace accommodations cost?
Reasonal workplace accommodations are typically low-cost or cost nothing at all. According to a 2007 JAN survey of 1,182 employers from a range of industries; 46% reported workplace accommodations cost absolutely nothing, while 45% experienced a low one-time cost.
How can we best attract and serve customers with disabilities?
You can strive to become recognized as a company which is disability friendly – one that is aware of the needs of people with disabilities and provides them and their extended networks with relevant products and services. Training your staff in disability etiquette will also give you a competitive advantage. If you are interested in more information on disability etiquette and trainings, please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
How do I prepare managers and employees for an inclusive workforce?
Very little preparation is required in order to introduce employees with disabilities into your workforce. Some managers and staff members may already be aware of disability matters, whereas others might require some training in disability etiquette. If you are interested in information on trainings or disability etiquette please contact us at cvs@ccssite.org
Are there tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities?
Yes. Tax credits are available to help employers cover the cost of accommodations for employees with disabilities and to make workplaces accessible. View more detailed information on tax incentives.
What are the legal risks associated with hiring employees with disabilities?
The legal risks of hiring employees with disabilities are no different from hiring from any other candidate pool. The best way to reduce risk is to foster an inclusive work environment and to know the rights of all your employees.
