Employment Network of SW Florida (ENSWFL)
ENSWFL 501( c )(3) approved member of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN).
Under a mutual agreement, ADEN & ENSWFL are committed to working with employers that have an interest in diversifying their workforce by capitalizing on the talents individuals with disabilities bring to the work force. We understand the need for businesses to pay close attention to their bottom line and to seek a reliable workforce that meets their needs in the competitive marketplace.
Quick Guide for Federal Contractors Section 503 of Rehab Act
WHAT IS SECTION 503 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973?
Section 503 prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities (IWDs), and requires these employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote and retain these individuals.
WHERE IS A PRIMARY SOURCE FOR RELATED INFORMATION?
The Department of Labor – Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs offers an extensive collection of information and tools. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/
WHEN ARE THE NEW REGULATIONS FOR SECTION 503 EFFECTIVE?
The new regulations of Section 503 became effective on March 24, 2014. Current contractors with a written affirmative action program (AAP) already in place on the effective date have additional time to come into compliance with the AAP requirements.
WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW SECTION 503 REGULATIONS?
- Utilization goal: The new regulations establish a nationwide 7% utilization goal for qualified IWD’s. Contractors will apply the goal to each of their job groups or to their entire workforce if the contractor has 100 or fewer employees.
- Data collection: The new regulations require that contractors document and update annually several quantitative comparisons for the number of IWDs they hire. Having this data will assist contractors in measuring the effectiveness of their outreach and recruitment efforts. The data must be maintained for three years to be used to spot trends.
- Invitation to Self-Identify: The new regulations require that contractors invite applicants to self-identify as IWDs at both the pre-offer and post-offer phases of the application process, using language prescribed by OFCCP. The new regulations also require that contractors invite their employees to self-identify as IWDs every five years, using the prescribed language. An OMB-approved voluntary self-identification form (in Spanish and English).
Benefits to Employers
- No cost for business services
- Reduce recruitment and training costs
- Reduce turnover costs with employees who tend to stay on the job longer
- See if the job and your business are a good fit with the potential employee with
- Increase revenues by having a workplace that reflects the customers you serve
- Employing people with disabilities helps generate revenues by allowing you to tap into the disability market, build brand trust and loyalty, and create new products and services
- Receive Federal tax incentives, when available, for employers who hire individuals with disabilities into permanent positions
In America, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed, as compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Many, however, are ready, willing and able to return to work. From a business perspective, research shows time and time again that employees with disabilities have greater longevity, fewer absences and identical work performance ratings. Give us a call to discuss how together we can explore an untapped workforce and employ more of our fellow American’s with disabilities.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch with us today, and we will assist you through the process of assigning your Ticket to Work to ADEN and receive the needed support to achieve your employment goals!
Employment Network of SW Florida (ENSWFL)
Employment Network of SW Florida (ENSWFL) operates as an Employment Network service provider under agreement with American Dream Employment Network for SSA beneficiaries under the Ticket to Work program.
Contact Us!
3050 Horseshoe Dr. Suite 158 Naples, FL 34104
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Phone: (239) 452-4020
Email: Idelah@enworks.org
We are open by appointment only.
Stay Connected
