1) What is the New Jersey Business Leadership Network?
The New Jersey Business Leadership Network (NJ BLN) is an employer-led endeavor that promotes best employment practices and enhances competitive employment opportunities for skilled job candidates with disabilities. The New Jersey Business Leadership Network (NJ BLN) is a program of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

2) Why do we need the New Jersey Business Leadership Network?
People with disabilities represent the single largest minority group seeking employment in today’s market. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, about 30 million Americans between the ages of 16-64 have a disability. Of this number, only 18 million are currently employed, leaving a 40% unemployment rate for this group.

And as the population ages, that number is expected to increase.

3) What are the benefits of hiring a disabled employee?
Hiring disabled job candidates provides many benefits to any organization. In fact, 92% of consumers surveyed by the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation felt more favorable toward companies that hire individuals with disabilities. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Education, companies that employ individuals with disabilities gain:

• Skilled employees.
  Employees with disabilities learn to persevere and develop problem solving, planning and people skills as part of managing a disability.

• Solid performance.
  Statistically, employees with disabilities have better retention rates.

• Cost saving.
  Workers with disabilities are rated consistently as average or above average in performance, quality and quantity of work, flexibility and attendance.
  

4) What are the costs involved with accommodating a disabled employee?
Surprisingly, the costs involved with accommodating a newly hired disabled employee are rather low. According to the Job Accommodation Network, the average cost of workplace accommodations in 2006 was $600 or less. In addition, many organizations earn tax credits and experience a savings in health care costs when they hire a disabled employee.

5) How can employers lower their health care costs by hiring disabled employees?
Employer’s health care costs are lowered simply because many disabled employees do not require the use of their employer’s insurance plans. According to the Social Security Administration, due to recent Medicare changes and Medicaid buy-in programs, many people with disabilities carry their own primary insurance.

6) How can organizations begin to include disabled jobseekers in their hiring practices?
Employers who hire people with disabilities diversify, enrich, and enhance the culture of their workplace. A few helpful strategies are:

• Make a commitment to include people with disabilities among your stakeholders,
• Educate staff on disability issues,
• Provide information on disability issues,
• Form an internal company-wide disability support group,
• Provide accessible facilities and services,
• Accommodate applicants and workers with disabilities