On Friday, July 22nd, Dahlia Shaewitz, Founder and CEO, Third Sight, LLC, joined MAX to share about the positive impact of intentionally building consumer relationships with the disability community. She was joined by Monique Bell, Business Engagement Executive, Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI), who reviewed the tax credits available to employers who hire people with disabilities, and how BDI works with employers to find work opportunities for people with disabilities.
Here are some highlights from what Shaewitz and Bell shared.
- Employees with disabilities may be overlooked for promotion opportunities to management.
- People with disabilities hold significant income for products and services.
- People with disabilities and their families tend to be loyal to companies that provide access, accommodations, and services that meet their needs.
- Local economies thrive as public and private sectors recognize the power and influence of the disability community.
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers is a federal tool to encourage employers to hire and retain applicants from disadvantaged target groups, including people with disabilities.
- The WOTC contributes to the bottom line and reduces the federal income tax liability and BDI can assist employers seeking to benefit.
The session was hosted and moderated by MAX board member Lee Hunter, Regional Coordinator, with the Georgia Department of Labor.
Click here for the presentation slides from Shaewitz.
Click here for the presentation slides from Bell.
Click here for the recording.
Relevant Research:
Leading the Way or Falling Behind: What Does the Data Tell Us About Disability Pay Equity
A Hidden Market: The Purchasing Power of Working-Age Adults with Disabilities
Additional Resources:
Administration for Community Living
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Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic competitiveness in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Through our webinar series, MAX Minutes, MAX seeks to bring timely insights to providers, intermediaries, and other partners in workforce. MAX Minutes features talks by key experts in the Atlanta region and beyond on important workforce matters.