Tracy Johnson for Business.gov
A little while ago, we explored Federal Resources for Disabled Entrepreneurs for individuals with disabilities that want to start their own business. What if you are a small business owner considering hiring a disabled person? What things do you need to know? What risks must you consider? And what advantages may you be eligible for because of this hiring choice?
Regulations
The U.S. Department of Justice has a Guide to Disability Rights Law which provides a nice overview of Federal civil rights laws for people with disabilities. Business owners should be especially familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outlines frequently asked questions and gives do’s and don’ts for what to do before and after giving a job offer. The EEOC also defines what qualifies as “reasonable accommodation” and helps the small business owner determine what measures need to be taken to meet this requirement. Similarly, the Department of Labor has their version of Myth Busters regarding employee persons with disabilities.
HR Tools
After you have hired a person with a disability, there are government resources you can lean on for ongoing human resource assistance such as:
U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy
This office also has the JAN- Job Accommodation Network
Cornell Employment and Disability Institute
DisabilityInfo.gov Employer Resources
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program
Incentives
So, we’ve provided a lot of resources for how to stay in compliance, how to hire and manage people with disabilities, and where business owners can go for help, but now for one of the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities- tax incentives!
There are tax incentives available to help employers cover accommodation costs for employees and/or customers with disabilities, making your business accessible for everyone. The IRS also has disability-related provisions and even tax incentives for complying with the ADA-Wow! A tax incentive for complying with the law? Aren’t we supposed to do that anyway? Don’t complain. Know the rules and make sure you get the credits and incentives your business is eligible for!
Additional Resources
If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:
- Federal Resources for Disabled Entrepreneurs
- Fires in California Blaze Through Small Businesses
- Free Market Research, Part II :: Demographics
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Sparkplugging Founder Wendy Piersall is dang passionate about helping people start & grow a business while maintaining life balance (somehow). 
Easton Ellsworth is owner of 
Nice article, Tracy. One of the biggest barriers to employment for people with disabilities is the attitude of the person doing the hiring. Perhaps if more employers knew about the info you’ve presented here, it would be easier for people with disabilities to get their “foot in the door.”