Disability Employment

Research on trends and practices in hiring and retaining people with disabilities

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, policymakers, organizations, and advocates, along with the business community, have worked to give people with disabilities an expanded role in the workforce. Traditionally, policy and research efforts have focused on better informing and preparing people with disabilities for the workplace. Recently, interest has shifted toward understanding the needs, issues, and cultures of businesses employing individuals with disabilities.

The Heldrich Center conducts in-depth research on trends and practices in hiring and retaining people with disabilities. Projects focus on increasing employment and economic independence of adults with disabilities, guidance for individuals with disabilities and their parents/caregivers, employers interested in putting people with disabilities to work, as well as evaluations of programs and policies designed for disability employment.

Projects

Publications

    • Attitudes and Beliefs of Job Development Professionals toward Employers

      Sep 07, 2011

      Explores the attitudes and beliefs of job development professionals toward employers. Finds that length of service in the profession affected job developer attitudes and beliefs.

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    • Creating a Pathway to a Better Financial Future: Developing State Strategies for Asset Development and Wealth Creation for People with Disabilities

      Jun 07, 2011

      Introduces basic asset development concepts, tools, and activities that states can use as a framework for developing comprehensive, integrated state asset development strategies for people with disabilities and their families.

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    • Disability Implications of an Aging Workforce: Developing an Action Strategy

      May 04, 2011

      Summarizes the discussions at and recommendations from a December 2010 roundtable on developing an action strategy that addresses the disability implications of the aging U.S. workforce.

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    • Identifying Gaps and Setting Priorities for Employment and Training Research

      Oct 18, 2011

      Reviews workforce and related research funded by several federal agencies. Also reviews research and evaluation projects undertaken by regional, state, and local workforce agencies and research supported by several national and regional foundations, as well as research that has been or is being conducted independently by leading researchers without substantial public or private support. Identifies high-priority research topic areas to examine over the next five years.

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    • Identifying Gaps and Setting Priorities for Employment and Training Research - Press Release

      Nov 01, 2011

      Press release on key findings and recommendations from a review of workforce and related research.

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