The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) works with businesses of all sizes and from a wide variety of industries across the state and provide an untapped talent pool of candidates with diverse abilities. BRS also provides additional and ongoing services that can help with training, development and retention, and offers incentive programs for companies that hire people with disabilities.

BRS has experience working with businesses of all sizes and industries. We have helped companies from Fortune 500 to small businesses find and keep employees.

There are many reasons, for example, people with disabilities have high retention rates, they help to diversify the workforce, and they can help with the bottom line as consumer research shows that people are more inclined to support businesses, and are more loyal to brands, who commit to diversity and equitable outcomes. In addition, BRS provides support to your business, and you can qualify for incentives.

No. BRS’ services and resources are of no cost to businesses.

We have access to a variety of assessments tools, resources, and trainings to help ensure a candidate is a match for the job. The first step, however, is understanding the qualifications necessary for the position as well as the skills needed to be successful in the position.

One of the greatest myths many employers have about hiring persons with disabilities is that it might come with a high cost to accommodate them or with processes that could affect workflow or other employees. The reality is less than 40 percent of Individuals with disabilities require accommodations at work and, if they do, they often cost less than $500. If a modification is required, BRS can help to identify the tools, technologies or resources needed to ensure productivity and retention.

Yes, BRS programs and services are designed with supporting your business’ bottom line in mind. For example, the Wage Reimbursement Program can reimburse up to 130 percent of the wages for qualified positions. There are trial work programs and business can also qualify for federal and state tax credits for hiring a person with disabilities.

When it comes to Training, BRS not only provides training for the candidates to ensure their success on the job but also for employers, specifically disability awareness training in order to equip business leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools to create an inclusive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Training is not required; however, it is beneficial to the organization, its current employees and incoming new employees with disabilities. Our training is based on the concept that attitudes about persons with disabilities are instrumental in forming behaviors toward individuals with disabilities. If supervisors have positive attitudes about hiring persons with disabilities, they will be more open to changing their own behaviors and that of their other employees. Our trainings promote the employment and advancement of persons with disabilities.

Employers are not “stuck” with employees with disabilities who are unable to perform the job.

Employers can fire workers with disabilities under three conditions:

1. The termination is unrelated to the disability or
2. The employee does not meet legitimate requirements for the job, such as performance or production standards, with or without a reasonable accommodation or
3. Because of the employee's disability, he or she poses a direct threat to health or safety in the workplace.

We are able to provide technical assistance and consultation and can often work together to come up with a solution.

 

Take the first step by connecting with one of our Business Services team members, so we can learn more about your needs and work to develop a plan to address those needs.