Frequently Asked Questions from Employers

We understand that employers have questions about hiring people with disabilities. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive:

Question: If I hire a person with a disability, will I need to treat him or her differently than my other employees?

Answer: Typically, there are no differences. Occasionally an individual may need a job accommodation which will assist the employee to perform his or her duties in a more efficient manner. Examples include a checklist of duties for the employee to refer to throughout the day; a computer key guard to make typing easier, a workstation that has been raised to accommodate a wheelchair, a wristwatch that has an alarm function to remind the employee to take breaks.

Question: Do I or my employees need special training in order to assist the new employee with a disability?

Answer: Often times, employers and co-workers have not had experience working with a person with a disability. There may be concerns about communicating with the new employee or how to supervise the person. The common practices that are used in your business when a new person is hired will also apply to the employee with a disability. However, training and consultation is available so that everyone at your company is comfortable with assisting the new employee with a disability.

Question: If the employee with a disability is not performing at the expected level, what can I do?

Answer: The employee has access to training support from a qualified employment specialist who can come to the worksite and evaluate the situation. If the person is having difficulty with the tasks, additional training can occur. If the problem is related to poor attendance or being late to work, the employment specialist can also provide additional support to the individual. If the poor performance continues, the individual can be terminated just as you would terminate any employee.

Question: Does the government pay the salary of the individual with a disability?

Answer: The salary is usually paid by the employer. However, there are some incentives that are offered that provide tax credits or on the job training dollars.

Question: Who do I contact if I would like to hire an individual with a disability?

Answer: You can contact O’Neill and Associates and one of our staff will assist you with connecting with an agency in your area.

Do you have more questions? Our friendly team of experts has years of experience in the field of employment preparation and consultation. We invite you to contact us either by phone or email to get answers.

You may find answers to some of your questions as you explore the Employer section of our website. Learn more about myths and facts concerning persons with developmental disabilities, the hiring process, human resource development, public sector employment programs, and customized consultation and training services for employers.