Disabled recruiting is prevalent as corporations strive to diversify their staff. Disabled workers can provide valuable services to the employment sector, and industry leaders have taken note.

Physically and mentally challenged workers open up new resources for staffing solutions. From entry level interns to senior executives, disabled workers are an important part of the work force today.

Corporations are actively involved in recruiting disabled staff members. Benefits to companies include:

1. Additional human resources

2. An enriched diversity among staff members

3. Tax benefits

4. Payroll subsidies through various placement programs. for corporations hiring disabled applicants

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find entities actively involved in student-level recruiting services for the disabled

Entry-level internships are an excellent introduction to the working world. Participants learn marketable skills that can lead to long-term employment opportunities.

I recommend: Start on Success is an entry-level internship and job training program for disabled high school students in AL, CT, OH, MD and PA. Nationwide, contact Emerging Leaders for information on placement of disabled college students into summer internships.

Focus on job-matching agencies actively recruiting disabled workers

These agencies are often non-profit organizations that provide free job recruiters for disabled persons. Take advantage of this valuable resource in your search for employment.

I recommend: Register with Vocamotive.com, a recruiting agency that coordinates employment between disabled workers and employers seeking talent. Create an account with Disaboomjobs.com for access to their online resume services and job bank. Sign up with DisABLEd Person, Inc. to access online resources for resumes, job searches, forum membership and more.

Utilize disabled recruitment services offered by corporations seeking staff

When an employer develops in-house recruiting for the disabled, no third party involvement is necessary. Industry leaders facilitate staffing by implementing recruitment programs of their own design.

I recommend: T-Mobile and Prudential are leaders among national corporations hiring disabled applicants. A champion of diversity, Prudential also offers the forward-thinking ADAPT program (Abled and Disabled Associates Partnering Together), a resource for their employees. If you live in California, register with Sempra Energy, a utility company that actively recruits qualified candidates with physical or mental challenges.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you feel victimized by unlawful discrimination by companies hiring disabled workers, you have legal recourse. You can report the situation to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), or find an employment lawyer to discuss further options.