New research from the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) reveals that nearly half of Atlanta workers (47 percent) believe unemployment among people with physical and mental disabilities has reached a crisis point. And for good reason: people with disabilities represent America’s largest minority group, but continue to suffer a 65 percent rate of unemployment.

For the past 18 years, BDI has committed itself to empowering individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to secure economic self-sufficiency, independence and integration into society.

To address the issue and dispel myths surrounding working with and hiring individuals with disabilities, BDI is launching a diversity training drive. The Atlanta-based nonprofit is offering companies free educational resources and advice in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

Diversity Training Makes a Difference

New BDI survey results show that almost six out of 10 (56 percent) of Atlanta workers have never participated in diversity training at their companies. During October, BDI is launching an educational resource center housed on its central Web site – www.bobbydodd.org - offering free online workshops to businesses across the country. The Disability 101 training will encourage business leaders to take necessary steps on a week-by-week basis: Lesson 1: Acknowledge the Diversity Challenge, Lesson 2: Bridge the Gap and Lesson 3: Make the Workplace and Workspace Inclusive.

MAKE A CHANGE THIS WEEK

Week 2: Bridge the Gap

Purpose:

Learn basic do's and don'ts

Build comfort with the general and specific disability etiquette guides

Incorporate people-first language into communication materials and corporate structure

Also check out Week 1's content, including the disability assessment, disability glossary, fast facts and more

"People with disabilities are ready, willing and able to contribute to the labor market in Atlanta and beyond," said McMillan. "Businesses who make changes now to increase diversity and take advantage of this labor pool will not only show strong corporate citizenry for the 1.5 million Georgians living with disabilities, but also acquire qualified workers who benefit the bottom line.”

To learn more about employing people with disabilities, new Atlanta-specific research findings and people who have benefited from BDI’s programs visit www.bobbydodd.org.

About Bobby Dodd Institute

The Bobby Dodd Institute is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to maximize their potential by securing economic self-sufficiency, independence and integration into society. For the past 18 years, BDI has provided vocational evaluation, training, job placement and case management to persons with disabilities. BDI also operates several affirmative businesses: assembly and packing operation, toner cartridge division and switchboard operations, mail centers, cleaning and ground maintenance division. Founded in honor of Coach Bobby Dodd of Georgia Tech, a tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities, BDI annually offers career services and employment opportunities to more than 460 clients in the Atlanta area. To find out more about career services, employment programs and ways you can support BDI, visit www.bobbydodd.org.