With Florida’s population and economy booming, Florida’s future can reach its full potential only with the fullest-possible participation in the labor market. Florida’s employers in fast-growing sectors such as semiconductor, broadband, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences can gain a competitive edge by tapping an underutilized source of talent: individuals with disabilities. To facilitate hiring and optimize retention, Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is here to make the process of finding, training, and accommodating individuals with disabilities seamless.
Why hire individuals with disabilities? Individuals with disabilities bring skills and experiences that enhance the workplace environment and boost productivity. Workers with disabilities develop and demonstrate numerous valuable strengths including elevated problem-solving skills, perseverance, and a flexible mindset. In 2021, the Able Trust found that 93% of surveyed companies reported that their employees with disabilities had been as effective as expected, and 23% of them said they had been even more effective than expected.
Businesses can also realize several financial benefits. Businesses may qualify for a number of federal tax deductions and credits, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Disabled Access Credit. At the macro level, a 2022 Able Trust report found that decreasing the labor force participation rate gap between the general population and people with disabilities by 10 points within a decade could yield an economic impact of $111.78 billion statewide.
Customers also favorably notice when businesses employ workers with disabilities. Able Trust’s 2023 report states that many modern American companies recognize the power of hiring individuals with disabilities because doing so “distinguishes them from competitors, helping them attract new consumers and increase market share.”
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation at the Florida Department of Education provides services to businesses by helping them meet their demand for qualified talent, identifying barriers, setting up accommodations and providing consultation and education to each business based on its specific needs. These services not only streamline each company’s hiring process but also create pathways toward gainful employment and independence for individuals with disabilities.
The division recently launched its “Expand Your Workforce” campaign to raise awareness among Florida businesses about the services they offer, all of which are free of charge. The division can post job openings on portals created for people with disabilities, pre-screen talent to determine qualifications, and help each business create an accessible and accommodating workplace, among other services.
Employers can reach out to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s business relations unit and be connected with a local representative to help achieve their hiring goals. To learn more and sign up, visit ExpandYourWorkforceFL.com.
