Print Friendly VersionNovember 2006, Issue 15
Subject: November FirstFacts Employer E-Update
FirstFacts
Welcome to IndependenceFirst’s FirstFacts monthly e-newsletter containing Employer Updates about the advantages of diversifying your workforce by hiring people with disabilities! It’s a quick read with useful tips for business…
FirstFacts for November:
As Holiday shopping season kicks off, FirstFacts is taking a look at customer service, access, employment and purchasing power of people with disabilities for this issue.
The 2000 U.S. census shows that there are 89,142,962 people with disabilities in our country. In a 1998 report by the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, “Consumer with disabilities control more than $175 billion in discretionary income. They, like all consumers, are more likely to patronize businesses where they feel welcome. Accessible stores, products and services, along with employees with disabilities, will help customers with disabilities feel their business is appreciated.”
Tips for accessible shopping environments/workplaces:
Consider space allowance—36” pathway
Eliminate protruding objects
Clearly marked parking and passenger loading zones
Curb cuts
Working elevators or platform lifts
Signage uses larger print, color contrast to aid in visibility/readability
Working power doors if they have been installed
Now is the time to check your business to be sure your workplace or retail environments are accessible and welcoming to everyone. To see a full list of American with Disability Act Guidelines for buildings consult http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm
** For anyone interested in receiving FREE disability awareness training for their staff, an accessibility checklist or using wheelchairs to explore the barriers that exist in your work environment, please contact the Employment Advocacy Team at IndependenceFirst at 414-291-7520.
The numbers of persons with disabilities are growing. Businesses who tap into the power of people with disabilities will find a previously untapped marketforce, workforce, and group that contributes to the diversity of the community.
If you want more information on employing people with disabilities or about the employer services offered by IndependenceFirst, please email firstfacts@independencefirst.org or call (414) 291-7520 and ask for the Benefits and Employment Department. For more info visit www.independencefirst.org
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