The Benefits of Hiring GOC Members – Gainesville Opportunity Center

	Employers: contact our Development Director Brett Buell [email protected] Tel: (352) 224-5523
	The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 503 Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination and requires employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that exceed $10,000 to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote qualified individuals with disabilities.
	Employer Assistance and Resource Network Resources to help employers recruit, hire, retain and advance individuals with disabilities
	Best Practices in Supported Employment Pre-Service Training

US Small Business Administration Portal of the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy

Helps Employers

Reduce workers’ compensation and other insurance costs

Become educated about their responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act

Hire, retain, and promote qualified employees with disabilities;

Provide information on accommodation options and practical solutions

Benefits to the Employer & Value of a Diverse Workforce

It is common for employers to have concerns about hiring workers from groups that have not previously contributed to their business.
Every person has the ability to be a valuable and dedicated partner in the workplace.
No one is vocationally impaired.
Tap into a reliable pool of workers who have above average performance, attendance, and safety records.
Minimize problems with stability, attendance, and safety.
Hiring individuals with unique needs (some visible, some not) offers an employer a higher employee retention rate and less turnover than the traditional workforce.
Higher Retention equals Increased Profits!
By hiring people with impairments your business may qualify for the following financial incentives: Small Business Tax Credit, Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
Hiring a more diverse workforce demonstrates a company’s commitment to nondiscrimination and will build a better community image which will lead to an increased customer base.
Hiring workers with impairments gives the employer experience in working with non-traditional workforces, and will better prepare the employer to cope with future labor-short economies.
The most requested accommodation from this untapped workforce is for a flexible schedule.