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EMPLOYMENT FIRST

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Supervisor Martha Hinman (left), with Katie Aljets, secretarial assistant for the Redmond School District.Building strong partnerships with the local business community will expand the availability of community-based jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Benefits to Employers

Historically, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have experienced much higher rates of unemployment than the general population. While this is still the case generally, employers are starting to see that individuals who experience an I/DD  can be dedicated and hard-working employees who also contribute greatly to the productivity, culture and diversity of the workplace. Communities embrace people who contribute, and employment of individuals with I/DD is a win/win for everybody.

Employer Testimonials

Oregon employers are increasingly aware of the positive contribution people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can make to their businesses, and to their bottom line. Here are t​​estimonials from Oregon ​employers and business owners discussing their experience employing a person with a disability.

 Please view this handout​ with testimonials from Oregon employers.​

  
  
  
3/14/2019Safeway Employer Testimonial in Baker CityEastern Oregon
10/22/2018South Columbia Chamber of CommercePortland Area
6/1/2017St. Anthony's Hospital TestimonialEastern Oregon
3/22/2017John's Employment SuccessCentral Oregon
11/30/2016Waterford GrandEugene, OR

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​​Resources to Help Employers Build an Inclusive Workforce

Link to resource
Description
The U.S. Small Business Administration has a variety of resources and information available to employers on Hiring People with Disabilities.
Think Beyond the Label is a public-private partnership that delivers information, outreach and resources to businesses, job seekers and the public workforce system to ensure greater recruiting and hiring opportunities for job candidates with disabilities.
Myths surrounding hiring people with disabilities, and facts around these issues.
Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job. There’s a solid business case, too.
How can you get started hiring employees with disabilities? Here are some ideas.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
ODEP's mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
There are some great tax incentives available for employers who hire a person with a disability, or just want to make their business more accessible to customers.
Resources to help employers recruit, hire, retain and advance individuals with disabilities


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mployer Success Stories

Do you have a story about how hiring an individual with I/DD has made your business more successful? If so, please let us know by emailing it to employment.first@odhsoha.orego​n.gov.

Also see Employment First success stories.

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