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How to Find Qualified Employees with Disabilities Communicating and Interviewing Someone with a Disability How to Find Qualified Employees with Disabilities There are many resources available online to find qualified employees with disabilities: State of Hawai`i Department of Human Services The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, a department within the State of Hawai`i Department of Human Services connects employers to individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment. Hawai`i Centers for Independent Living (HCIL) Among many other offerings, HCIL offers ADA Employment Training and related resources to employers. Goodwill Industries of Hawai'i Goodwill Industries of Hawai'i provides a free referral service for employers who are seeking qualified employees. On this site, employers may also advertise and recruit free of cost. Hawai'i Workforce Informer Hawai'i Workforce Informer maintains website content that helps employers find information about different industries, current wages for occupations and lists of training providers that offer programs in the skills they need for their employees. LO'IHI This state site houses valuable Labor and Occupational Information for the state of Hawai`i. TICKET TO HIRE TICKET TO HIRE is funded by the Social Security Administration with additional support from the U.S. Department of Labor. It is a free national referral service to assist employers in hiring motivated, qualified workers with disabilities. Employer Assistance Referral Network The Employer Assistance Referral Network, Department of Labor, connects employers with job vacancies to employment service providers who have direct access to job ready individuals with disabilities. It also provides technical assistance to employers in locating appropriate organizations and information as they seek to hire qualified candidates with disabilities. Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities, provided by the Department of Labor, is a resource for businesses nationwide to identify qualified employees for temporary and permanent positions. Applicants are highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates eager to prove their abilities in the workforce. Employer Resources for Hiring People with Disabilities The Social Security Administration provides valuable resources and links for employers seeking to hire people with disabilities. RecruitABILITY RecruitABILITY is a free recruiting site that connects employers to job seekers with disabilities. ForEmployers.com ForEmployers.com is a website that helps employers find qualified workers with disabilities. Also on their site is information about accommodations and assistive technology along with laws that govern employment for individuals with disabilities. U. S. Business Leadership Network The U. S. Business Leadership Network is an organization that provides networking and support for best practices in employment. On their site you will find conference information and other resources. Local chapters can be formed and currently exist as listed on this site. Back to Top Communicating with and Interviewing someone with a disability When interviewing, it is unlawful to question a person about the existence, nature or severity of a disability. Questions should always be directed at the person's ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. The following resources provide information about legal concerns employers may have, as well as the social aspects of communicating with people with disabilities. Preparing to Interview Someone with a Disability Questions to Ask During an Interview How to Interact with Someone with a Disability Preparing to Interview Someone with a Disability If the disability of your applicant is known or if an accommodation has been requested for the interview, there are some things that employers can do to make the interview a positive experience for both the employer and the applicant. Interviewing Scheduling Etiquette This handbook, provided by the City of San Antonio, provides a simple interviewing schedule checklist to help you prepare for an interview with an individual who has a disability. Best Practices for Interviewing a Blind or Print Impaired Job Candidate Esight.org connects businesses to job talent in the disability community. This article discusses the interview process and unique preparations and accommodations required for interviewing a blind candidate. Service Animals The City of San Antonio provides this online handbook published by the City of San Antonio. Find valuable information about interviewing applicants who use the aid of service animals. Back to Top Questions to Ask During an Interview If you are an employer there are certain things that you can and cannot ask an applicant or employee who has a disability. Employers CANNOT ask: - "Do you have a disability?"
- "What kind of disability do you have?"
- "Is your disability serious?"
- "How will your disability affect this job?"
- All other questions relating to a person's disability
Employers CAN ask: - "This job requires you to input information into a computer using Excel. Can you tell me about your experience in this area?"
If the applicant has a known disability, (for example, brought a seeing-eye dog to the interview), the employer may ask, "This job requires you to input information into a computer using Excel. Can you describe how you would accomplish this?" The following sites provide additional information on what can and cannot be asked during an interview with an individual with a disability: Employer Tips on Interviewing Applicants with Disabilities The National Center on Workforce and Disability has prepared an extensive list of tips for employers when interviewing applicants with disabilities. EmployABILITY - Employers' Disability Etiquette Handbook This handbook provides employers with etiquette basics for interacting with employees and future employees with disabilities. Interviewing People with Disabilities Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. This page provides valuable tips for employers interviewing persons with disabilities. Back to Top How to Interact with Someone with a Disability When working with or preparing to interview someone with a disability, it is important to be aware of the proper etiquette to use when interacting with people with disabilities. To learn about disability etiquette and how to properly interact with people with disabilities, visit any of the following: Interacting with People with Disabilities Community Resources for Independence is a nonprofit organization serving persons with disabilities. This page provides helpful guidelines on interacting with people with a disability. Disability Etiquette Handbook The City of San Antonio provides an accessible online handbook that deals specifically with employment and etiquette when interacting with people with disabilities. Other topics also include Reception Etiquette and Conversation Etiquette. Watch Your Language The National Center of Workforce and Disability provides valuable information in an easy-to-read format on the use of proper terms and language to use when working with persons with disabilities. Department of Labor The DOL provides information on employment and other labor related topics on its website. CareerOneStop.com CareerOneStop.com is a federal-state partnership. On this site you can find job and labor market information for your state. Disability Sensitivity Training This free online course is appropriate for all audiences including: managers, supervisors, and other professionals. This course reviews the ADA, the Air Carrier Access Act, disability etiquette, appropriate terminology, communication skills, how to relate to people with disabilities and more. Back to Top
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