What are the benefits in hiring workers with disabilities?

People with disabilities represent the single largest and most diverse minority in the United States. While the best reason to hire a person with disabilities is because he or she is qualified, employers also benefit in other ways. Other benefits include:

• Reducing training and recruitment costs. People with disabilities have equal to, or higher, performance rates and are less likely to resign and move on to another job.
• Increasing productivity in work groups. People with disabilities motivate other employees.
• Diversifying your workforce to appeal to a diverse customer base. One in five Americans has a disability, representing $1 trillion in purchasing power.
• Receiving tax advantages. Employers who hire people with disabilities may get a break on their federal taxes.
• Tax benefits. Employers may be eligible for one or more of the following tax benefits:
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This allows employers tax credits of up to $2,400 for hiring people with disabilities.
• Small Business Tax Credit: IRS Code Section 44, Disabled Access Credit. This credit helps small employers cover the cost of making their businesses accessible to people with disabilities, up to a maximum benefit of $5,000.
• Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction: IRS Code Section 190, Barrier Removal. This allows businesses an annual deduction of up to $15,000 for expenses incurred to remove physical, structural and transportation barriers for people with disabilities at the workplace.
• More information about these tax benefits can be found by visiting the website of the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at http://www.dol.gov/odep.

Reprinted with permission. © CCH