Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Employers and nonprofits show hiring models that can tap 'untapped talent' of workers with disabilities
Loading...
Summary
Employers testifying at a House hearing described partnerships that placed people with disabilities into steady jobs, reporting improved productivity and retention; witnesses urged better employer outreach and public‑private collaboration to expand those models.
WASHINGTON — Employers and workforce groups told a House Ways and Means hearing that partnerships with disability service organizations can fill hard‑to‑staff roles and produce reliable, productive employees, while expanding economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
Jared Sanderson, partner at Nautical Manufacturing and Fulfillment, described a partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations in Lenexa, Kansas, that placed 35 people into manufacturing and fulfillment roles. Sanderson said the arrangement addressed seasonal labor needs and improved throughput. “They are engaged, they're consistent, and they love what they do,” he told the committee.
Sanderson and other witnesses said the partnerships worked because local organizations prepared candidates with job‑readiness training, and employers adapted job designs — for example, roles with predictable, repetitive tasks or flexible scheduling — that matched candidates’ strengths. Sanderson described supervisors’ initial hesitation that turned to enthusiasm once teams experienced the candidates’ reliability and productivity.
Panelists urged stronger connections between employers and local training providers, expanded use of tax credits and work incentives, and better employer education about how to access Ready‑to‑Hire pipelines. Representative Troy Neighbors (note: member names used in hearing) and others highlighted Ohio, Indiana and Missouri employers that are finding success by viewing inclusive hiring as a long‑term business strategy rather than charity.
Ending: Witnesses said public‑private partnerships can reduce employer turnover, open careers for people with disabilities and help firms meet seasonal or niche staffing needs if states and federal programs support outreach, training and targeted incentives.
