Employment
2 minute read
Our Position
CTD supports legislation that would allow people with disabilities to participate in one of the most successful economic development tools in Texas focused on minority participation: the Historically Underutilized Business Program (HUB). Adding people with disabilities to the HUB program will increase entrepreneurship, support self-employment and sponsor small business ventures for a historically disadvantaged minority that will, in turn, provide the state of Texas with valuable goods and services.
Background
Adding people with disabilities to the Historically Underutilized Business program (HUB) will increase entrepreneurship, support self-employment, and sponsor small business ventures for a historically disadvantaged minority. This will, in turn, provide the state of Texas with valuable goods and services.
Many people with disabilities find multiple barriers to employment including:
- unemployment rate twice that of the average American without a disability
- lack of education and training opportunities
- lack of accessible transportation
- need for a flexible schedule
- need for some type of accommodation on the job
A business that meets HUB qualifications is eligible to be involved in a variety of programs that help support and train individuals to be successful including a mentor-protégé program, business presentation training, strategic planning, and writing annual reports. These support programs can make the difference between small business succeeding or failing and have been very effective for those already participating in the HUB program.
Further Reading
- Texas Employment First Policy and Task Force Report 2016
- American Institute for Research 2014 report: The Lack of Equal Pay for People With Disabilities
Resources
- Job Accommodation Network Ask JAN. Source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
