FACT
Nearly 620,000 working-age adults with disabilities live in Washington state.
FACT
A recent Harris Poll found that only 29 percent of people with disabilities in this age group work, despite that seven in ten of those unemployed want to work.
FACT
That's at least 308,140 people in our state who can and want to work,
yet they're one of the most overlooked segments of our workforce.
FACT
Nationwide, 54 million Americans with disabilities comprise the
largest minority in the country.
If this talent pool presents an untapped opportunity, consider the potential for your business.Studies show that employing these workers will:
*add a skilled variety of talent to your forces, from entry-level to the senior-level, with a higher rate of retention;
*expand marketing strategies, improve products and services and attract a multibillion-dollar consumer base. As public awareness grows, consumers are giving their loyalty to companies that commit to hiring and serving people with disabilities.
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Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN)
The WSBLN is a network of employers who educate and support businesses to hire, retain, and improve customer service for people with disabilities. |
The Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN ) is an extension of the nation-wide Business Leadership Network (USBLN) established in 1994 by the former President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (PCEPD) , now coordinated through the Department of Labor's Office on Disability Employment Policy . There are active BLN Chapters in more than 32 States. |
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"For Immediate Release"
~ Meg Paulsen ~
Crowned
Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008
“My lifelong ambition has been to
make the world a better place for
members of my community”
Meg Paulsen,
Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008
Read More...
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SPOKANE, April 16, 2008 - Logan Magazine honored for design, vision
A young Spokane woman born with congenital heart disease is showing others with disabilities how to live a full life. It's through her magazine that she's making that possible. Logan Olson was awarded for being a role model on Wednesday night. Her magazine, Logan, started two years ago. It focuses on fashion, style, and most importantly, stories of inspiration from people with disabilities.
Click to view video interview
To view the story go to: http://www.kxly.com
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WASHINGTON, DC (April 1, 2008) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today praised Debra Ruh, Founder and President of TecAccess, for being recognized by Federal Computer Week, which named Ruh to its prestigious "Federal 100" list. The theme for this year's Federal 100 awards is "Agents of Change." Read More...
WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2008) - The US Business Leadership Network
(USBLN®) today announced that Katherine McCary of SunTrust Banks, Inc. will be appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the National Council on Disability (NCD). McCary has served as the USBLN Board Chair since 2004. Read More... |
Agencies launch air traffic training for disabled veterans
Read More... |
WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2008) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today commended the efforts to promote accessibility and an inclusive workplace being done by its member, Ernst & Young LLP, a leading professional services firm. Read More... |
2007 GOVERNOR'S AWARD BREAKFAST
HOSTED AT THE MICROSOFT CONFERENCE CENTER OCTOBER 15TH
"Honoring Our Connections, Strenghthening Our Bonds!"
GOVERNOR'S TROPHY AWARD RECIPIENT
(IN MEMORY OF CAROLYN BLAIR BROWN)
Tammy Wilber
<(click on the image for a larger view)
Tammy is employed by VARILITE,
a division of Cascade Designs, Inc.
Other accomplishments are:
* Former Ms. Wheelchair Washington
* Speaker and coordinator for Think First Washington
* Board Member for PROVAIL
* Volunteer with Footloose Sailing Association
Go to our Photo Gallery to see photos of the 2007 Governor's
Award Breakfast Recipients
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Information, resources, and feature stories about diversity.
Read More... |
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Business Leadership Network Events |
Upcoming 2008
WSBLN Events & Forums
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Sponsorship |
 Become A Sponsor Of The WSBLN
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EMPLOYMENT
Employing people with disabilities makes good business sense...
Need more information about consumers with disabilities? The facts speak for themselves:
Of the 54 million of people limited in their activities due to long-term disability...
- 73% are the heads of households
- 46% are married
- 58% own their own homes
- 77% have no children
- 48% are principal shoppers
(Article from MNBLN)
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Testimonials |
"The BLN [Business Leadership Network] is an example of how we can all work together to improve the lives of American's with disabilities. Barriers that once impeded progress are vanishing. Employer-led initiatives are swinging the doors to economic independence wide-open. And discrimination has given way to appreciation, as more and more employers discover the extraordinary pool of talent that workers with disabilities represent. You (BLNs) are leading the way, and that is exactly what we need to build a vibrant, productive, and inclusive workforce for the 21st century."
-Elaine L. Chao
Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
Learn More
"Building the New Workforce to look like America creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities and makes our nation stronger. I commend the work the USBLN® and its partners are doing to prepare our country's future workforce.”
- Karen M. Czarnecki, J.D.
Acting Assistant Secretary for
Disability Employment Policy
"As the US pool of available workers continues to contract, companies are learning the bottom line benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Once an overlooked talent pool, people with disabilities are contributing to the American economy in ways never imagined in previous generations.
Through the efforts of the BLN and now the USBLN, we expect even greater opportunities for this segment of very able workers. The success of the USBLN will ensure that the 21st century workforce is diverse, inclusive and strong."
Thomas J. Donohue
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chamber of Commerce of United States of America |
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