Employment Division/Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

To respond to the ever-challenging employment landscape, Connecticut employers now have a new resource. The Employment Division of Connecticut’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

 

Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Employment Division, in partnership with Connect-Ability, helps employers build a more competitive workforce with qualified people who happen to have a disability. We offer a variety of programs, services and incentives, including:

 

Pre-screened Applicants. Access an extensive source of pre-screened applicants who have proven qualifications to meet your specific criteria.

On-the-Job Training/Internships. Train a new employee that can meet your specific needs with an internship before making a job offer. While in the program, the employer will work with a BRS representative to develop training specifics and provide assistance with recommendations and resources. BRS will cover the employer’s training expenses. For more information select the following link to download the brochure: OJT.pdf

Risk-Free Trial (Working Interviews). Learn more about a job candidate’s skills to evaluate his/her performance first-hand prior to making a job offer.

Tax Credit Program Information. We help you identify and access tax incentives to cover accommodation costs for employees and/or customers with disabilities to make their business environment accessible.

Employment Network & Ticket To Work. Connecticut’s BRS can act as an true “employment network” to bring together candidates who are receiving Social Security disability benefits with employers who can put their skills to work. When combined with other programs, an employer may be able to recoup a portion of first-year wages for each new employee with a disability.

 

Ready to begin?
Call Mark Henry, Director of Employer Development at 866-844-1903 or connect-ability@ct.gov This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Financial Incentives
Incentives for small and medium-sized businesses make tapping into the disability community an attractive recruiting strategy. There are three tax incentives - the Small Business Tax Credit, Architectural and Transportation Tax Deduction, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit - available to help employers cover accommodation costs for employees or customers with disabilities to make their business environment more accessible. For more information, click on http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/GCEPD/bustaxcredits.htm.

 

Resources to Get Started
Employers who want to hire people with disabilities but who need help getting started will find a host of resources to help. Here are a few to get you started:

 

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) is the national business organization currently representing BLN chapters in 32 states and more than 5000 employers using a "business to business" strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce. The BLNs provide an opportunity for employers to identify and share best practices on the employment of people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) endorses the BLN concept of business-to-business mentoring to help create job opportunities for people with disabilities. Visit their web site at http://www.usbln.org/.

Connecticut Business Leadership Network (CTBLN) strives to maximize employment opportunities for people with disabilities by working with businesses, governmental organizations and community service agencies in supportive and productive partnerships. Their mission is to improve recruitment and retention of qualified persons with disabilities, establish an inclusive work culture and promote the adoption of best practice initiatives.  Visit their web site for more information and to learn how to become a member at http://ctbln.com/.

 

The Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) has a comprehensive web site of disability information for employers. Topics include everything from assistive technology to federal and state resources, to assistance with recruitment and workplace accommodations. To access this site, click on http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/pwd-Employers.htm.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can help you hire, retain, and promote qualified employees/applicants with disabilities. The organization provides accommodation options and practical solutions, including ways to accommodate a person with a disability in the classroom or other training environment. JAN also addresses issues pertaining to accessibility, and is nationally recognized as a prime resource for employers. To learn more, click on http://askjan.org/empl/index.htm.

The Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) is the nation's premier provider of cost-free services to help employers recruit and hire qualified workers to meet their workforce needs. In addition, EARN assists employers in understanding the practical business reasons for, as well as the practices that facilitate the recruitment and hiring of people with disabilities. EARN is an initiative funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under the Department of Labor (DOL). To reach EARN, visit http://www.earnworks.com/index.php.

Success Stories
The following web sites feature success stories of employers who are now benefiting from the skills and talents of employees with disabilities: