Employer: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I consider person's with disabilities for employment with my company?

People with disabilities represent a significant pool of potential applicants who repeatedly get high marks from managers on job related issues.

Q. Will employees with disabilities be absent more than employees without disabilities?

No. A study by International Telephone and Telegraph of a 2000 member plant with 125 employees with disabilities found these employees had fewer absences than their co-workers. Sears Credit of West Des Moines, Iowa found their associates with disabilities had above average attendance records.

Q. Will hiring people with disabilities cause my workers compensation rates to rise?

No. Workers compensation rates are based upon injury experience for a company, not upon the composition of the workforce. Given the excellent safety record of people with disabilities, there is no reason to expect rates to increase.

Q. Do employees with disabilities perform as well as employees without disabilities?

Yes. According to many employers who've hired people with disabilities, these individuals are motivated, capable and dependable. A local Harris poll found that almost 90% of workers with disabilities received good or excellent performance ratings from their managers.

Q. Do employees with disabilities have good safety records?

Yes. National studies find that its employees with disabilities are ranked by supervisors higher on safety issues than their non-disabled peers. U.S. Department of Labor Studies supports this finding.

Q. Is it expensive to make adjustments to the workplace for employees with disabilities?

Generally no. In fact, a Harris survey found that nearly 70% of adults with disabilities who are working or are willing to work do not need special equipment or technology. Of those needing accommodation, 20% were at no cost and 51% were less than $50.00. In addition, there are a number of resources available to employers to assist with accommodations.

Q. Is it more difficult to train persons with disabilities?

Several potential employees with disabilities have already received training in a variety of areas.

Q. If I have job openings who do I notify?

We welcome all job openings from employers. Please use this link to find the IVRS office nearest you.

http://www.ivrs.iowa.gov/contactus.html

Q. How do I locate a IVRS office in my area?

Please use this link to find the IVRS office nearest you.

http://www.ivrs.iowa.gov/contactus.html

Read the State of Iowa privacy statement.

510 East 12th Street • Des Moines, Iowa 50319
515-281-4211 • 515-281-7645 (fax) • 1-800-532-1486 (voice/TTY)

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