• Use the Job Description Writer to build a meaningful job description with a focus on ability.
• Include a physical demand section to ensure that the applicant can handle the rigors of the position. Read more !
• Make job announcements available in alternate formats, such as large print, audiotape, or Braille.
• Make sure your company website is accessible. Click here to find out.
• Make your workplace accessible.
• Send all your vacancy announcements to disability-related organizations.
• Mention your interest in receiving applications from people with disabilities.
• Participate in job fairs, conferences and meetings sponsored by local disability-related groups.
• Volunteer to serve on boards of disability groups.

Visit the Links Tab for ways to connect.

EARN

• EARN assists in matching these pre-screened, highly qualified students with private and public sector jobs. If you have summer internship opportunities or entry-level positions available, please have your hiring manager complete and submit the form at WRP Internships.
• EARN will provide you with resumes of qualified candidates within 3-4 business days.

Visit the Links Tab to access these resources; fees may be associated with job posting.

Find Local Assistance
Use the Find a Location Near You Button on the Disability Resources Page to find the help you need. The Work Incentive Planning Assistance program to helps individuals who receive SSI or SSDI, and are interested in getting a job, understand how working will affect their benefits.

• A person eligible for the Ticket-to-Work program is entitled to WIPA counseling.
• WIPA information and services are available by appointment only.
• Other organizations offering resources or services to people with disabilities are also provided.

Before the Interview:

• When setting up the interview, explain what the hiring process involves and ask the individual if he or she will need reasonable accommodations for any part of the interview process.
• Ensure that your organization's employment offices and your interviewing location(s) are accessible to applicants with mobility, visual, hearing, and learning difficulties, and intellectual disabilities.
• Be willing to make appropriate and reasonable accommodations to enable job applicants with disabilities to present themselves in the best possible light for their interview.

During the Interview:

• Make sure that all questions asked during the interview are job-related, and that the application and interview process complies with ADA regulations.
• Shake hands when introduced to someone with a disability. People with limited hand use or artificial limbs do shake hands, and you can shake the left hand if that would be more appropriate.
• Don't lean on or touch a person's wheelchair. The chair is a part of his/her personal space.
• Sit at eye level with the person you are interviewing.
• Be sure to notify the interviewee if there are accessibility problems with the interview location. Discuss what to do and make alternate plans.
• Always speak directly to the applicant. If he or she arrives with a companion (e.g. a driver or personal assistant), do not talk to the person with a disability through their companion.
• Be clear and candid in your questioning.
• Ask for clarification of terms or issues when necessary.
• Don't ask personal questions that you wouldn't ask someone without a disability.
• If you offer to help, wait until the offer is accepted. Do not insist, and do not be offended, if your offer is not accepted.
• Conduct interviews in a manner that emphasizes abilities, achievements, and individual qualities, just as you would in any other interview.

Visit the Videos Tab for more information about interviewing people with disabilities. Use the Employer Tool Kit to get stared!

Incentives for small and medium-sized businesses make tapping into the disability community an attractive recruiting strategy. There are three tax incentives available to help employers cover accommodation costs for employees or customers with disabilities.

The Small Business Tax Credit
Businesses can take advantage of two Federal tax incentives available to help cover costs of making access improvements for customers with disabilities. Click here for details (PDF).

Architectural and Transportation Tax Deduction
All businesses are eligible to take an annual deduction for expenses incurred to remove physical, structural, and transportation (i.e. vehicle-related) barriers for persons with disabilities at the workplace. Visit the Links Tab for details.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The WOTC helps American workers with barriers to employment benefit from the creation of effective regional economic development strategies, and create high performance workplaces. Click here for more information.