Disability Inclusion Partner Program

In 2013, the Disability Friendly Recognition Program was developed in partnership with the City of Sioux Falls to recognize businesses in our community that hired people with disabilities. Any business that employed at least one person with a disability could get an award. Since its inception, 250 businesses have received an award.

Ten years later, we have decided to rename the award, the “Disability Inclusion Partner” award. Inclusion is crucial to the successful employment of people with disabilities. If a person feels welcome, respected, and fully included in their workplace, they are more likely to stay with that company, receive promotions, and truly thrive! When there is a positive workplace culture, people with disabilities are more comfortable disclosing their disability and asking for accommodations if they are needed. That is a crucial aspect in retaining qualified, talented employees.

We have also included the word “Partner” in the title of this award. We don’t want to visit a business one time and be done. We want to be an ongoing partner with businesses to provide any needs as they surface. That includes reviewing job descriptions, coordinating accessibility assessments, providing free educational training, sharing open positions with employment specialists who work directly with job seekers with disabilities, and offering information about tax incentives that are available! Our goal is to build ongoing relationships with businesses in our community to help them meet their needs.

Finally, we believe that it is important to place these awards at the front entrance or drive-through windows at local businesses to showcase the fact they employ people with disabilities. People with disabilities represent the third largest market segment in the U.S. By proactively employing people with disabilities, businesses have the potential to increase their bottom line and better understand how to meet the needs of this growing customer base. According to a National Survey of Consumer Attitudes towards companies that hire people with disabilities, 92% of the American public view companies that hire people with disabilities more favorably. 87% of the public also prefers giving their business to companies that hire people with disabilities.