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Mission

The purpose of this center is to identify factors that enhance or inhibit businesses from tapping into a pool of potential employees. Let us be your gateway to information, resources, and services regarding the employment of people with disabilities.

Research

Our program is based on our close collaborative relationship with business organizations and is designed to study:

• return to work strategies for persons who become disabled while employed;
• key components of effective disability management programs;
• financial tax credits to encourage hiring, retention, and advancement;
• the impact of work support interventions on employment and advancement;
• employer perceptions of obstacles to hiring and retaining; and
• the significance of structural changes in the American economy on people with disabilities.

Training

Nationally recognized for our highly organized and cost effective designs for training that offers diversity and flexibility to our customers. We have assembled a unique menu of methods and materials to rapidly disseminate new knowledge to a national audience. Our strategies will include but are not limited to:

• university courses
• self-paced modules
• teleconferences
• newsletter
• Internet coursework
• fast facts on workplace supports
• seminars/workshops
• state-of-the-science conference
• regional conferences

Collaborators

Collaboration will occur between schools within the University, advisory boards, national business organizations and community rehabilitation programs. Collaborators were chosen based upon their expertise within business, rehabilitation, independent living, employment and disabilities.

MCV School of Medicine & Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Society for Human Resource Management

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

VCU School of Allied Health & Department of Rehabilitation Counseling

VCU School of Business-Employment Support Institute

VCU School of Education - Center's Administrating Unit