For Employers

Why Hire a Person with Disabilities?

• Reduced Absenteeism: 86% of supervisors rate their employees with disabilities average or above in attendance (according to 1990 Dupont Survey)
• Reduced Turnover: History has proven that people with disabilities are some of the most dedicated and proud workers in the force (according to United Cerebral Palsy surveys)
• Increased Job Performance: 90% of managers rate people with disabilities at average or above in job performance (according to 1990 Dupont Survey)
• Cost Effective: 75% of employers indicate that the average cost of hiring people with disabilities is the same as hiring people without disabilities (according to Oregon Business Leadership Network)

• Job Coaching – We will help your new employee learn everything they need to know about their new job.
• Training and Supervision – If necessary, we can provide a staff person to support your new employee on an on-going basis.
• Re-training and human resources needs – You are welcome to call us anytime if there are any problems, and we will be happy to step in and offer our support.
• Job accommodations and ADA compliance – If you have any questions about ADA compliance or job accommodations, we can help you find answers.
• Work-ready job-seekers - We will only send you job seekers who are motivated, ready to work, punctual and dedicated.

Our Workers Are Looking For:

• Paid employment


• 8-12 hour (unpaid) work experiences


• Job shadow experiences


• Tours of businesses


• Informational interviews with employers

• When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. (Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable alternative.)
• If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen to or ask for instructions.
• Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others.
• Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions such as "See you later," or "Did you hear about that?" that seem to relate to a person's disability.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're unsure of what to do.
• For more tips on how to communicate with people who have disabilities: US Department of Labor's Tips on Communicating with and About People with Disabilities

  For more information about For Employers, please contact UCP at (503) 777-4166 or send an e-mail.

  http://www.ucp.org/ucp_localsub.cfm/129/9325/10524
  Updated: 07/25/2008