Circle Social presented workforce disability panel at Purdue Technology Center

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Business Leadership Network officials announced the relaunch of its group under new leadership during an Oct. 25 event at the Purdue Technology Center in Indianapolis.

After lying dormant for a few years, the group has been reformed to continue its mission of supporting companies with the what, how, and why of working with individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

The event was hosted by Circle Social Inc., a member of the Purdue Research Park in Indianapolis, and was sponsored by Sun King Brewing and Tangram Business Resourcing.

Scott Beauchamp, CEO of Yellow Cab; Kristy Russell, representing Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's office; and Jeremy Warriner, a national disability speaker, served on a panel presentation about the topic.

The purpose of the Indianapolis Business Leadership Network is to provide resources and support to both employers looking to hire individuals with disabilities and businesses currently employing them. Covering moral and legal imperatives regarding the hiring and retention of differently abled employees, a key point brought up by the panelists was that it also makes good business sense.

According to James Emmett, facilitator for the event, 10 percent of America's workforce has some kind of federally recognized disability with 20 percent represented within the total population. Many employers shy away from hiring staff with disabilities due to perceived drawbacks like increased liability or extended absences.

However, according to a report by the Michigan Community Service Commission, disabled employees statistically call out less often and are more loyal, on average, than a nondisabled employee.

"Why not? As a business, you have a job that needs to be filled and your only question should be, 'Is this applicant the best fit for that job?'" said Russell, when the panel was asked why an organization should hire someone with a disability.

"Disabled candidates represent a largely untapped talent pool in a time where businesses are shouting from the rooftops that they cannot find great talent quick enough," said Nick Jaworski, organizer of the program. "There are often numerous community providers and government programs that will actually provide funding in terms of recruitment, resume screening, job coaching, and any accommodations that need to be made. For any business strapped for cash, these resources can prove invaluable, making another strong case for sourcing talent from this pool.

"The discussion was very informative and the re-launch of the Indianapolis BLN will be a boon both for employers looking to find or retain top talent as well as individuals with disabilities seeking out their best fit in the work place."

To learn how your business may achieve more by focusing on disability inclusion, contact Daniel Grundman at dgrundma@indiana.edu. 

Purdue Research Foundation contact: Cynthia Sequin, casequin@prf.org

Source: Nick Jaworski, nick@circlesocialinc.com