The Small Business Administration and Department of Labor have signed an agreement to help people with disabilities become small-business owners or get jobs with small firms.
Unemployment among the more than 9 million people with disabilities is 43 percent, and that figure jumps to 70 percent among people with significant disabilities, according to the government agencies.
“Most unemployed people with disabilities receive cash and other benefits from government-funded income support and health-care programs, but most would rather be working,” stated an agreement signed by the two agencies.
Called “The New Freedom Small Business Initiative,” the agreement is intended to make small firms aware of tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities, sources of such applicants and resources for accommodating them in the workplace.
The initiative also seeks to get various small-business groups to work together to provide training and other assistance to people with disabilities who want to start businesses as well as to document best practices for entrepreneurs with disabilities and potential employers.
More information is available at the Department of Labor Web site (www.dol.gov/odep).
More Top Picks Philips Sonicare Essence