HireAbility Whatcom
Are you ready to hire? Contact us to get started.
HireAbility Whatcom is a collaborative effort between Whatcom County Health and Community Services and local agencies that help people with disabilities get and keep jobs.
Over 200 businesses and organizations in Whatcom County Over 200 businesses and organizations in Whatcom County have hired individuals with developmental disabilities. Contact us if you would like to learn more about how we can help meet your business needs.
- Benefits of Hiring an Employee with a Disability
- HireAbility Whatcom Process
- Success Stories & Testimonials
Here are some ways that hiring an employee with a disability can benefit your business:
- Increased Productivity: Employees with disabilities are reliable, stay longer, and improve retention by 90%.
- Improved Employee Moral: Diverse perspectives foster inclusivity and inspire teams.
- Wider Talent Pool: Hiring people with disabilities brings diverse skills and untapped potential, fostering creativity and growth.
- Increased Innovation: Emphasizing abilities drives fresh perspectives and sparks advancements.
- Positive Image to Customer Base: 92% of customers view companies more favorably when they hire people with disabilities.
HireAbility Whatcom can streamline your hiring process, reducing administrative costs. If you a want to learn more about hiring someone with a disability, please contact us today at [email protected].
We are here to help connect employers with qualified job seekers. Here is a breakdown of our process:
- Consultation: We start with an information-gathering session to determine your workplace needs. We will even tour your business to ensure we understand the environment and what you want in an employee.
- Job Analysis: Our team will take the information from the initial consultation and work with you to edit your job description, plan accessible interviews, and share any workplace observations that could help you find more candidates.
- Proposal: Once our analysis is complete, we will provide you with a proposal for how you can adapt the position(s) and hiring process to encourage more diverse applicants and open your company up to a wider variety of job seekers.
- Interview & Hire: We will assist in finding vetted job seekers to apply. We are here to help you along the way.
- Support: Job coaches work on-site, offering personalized assistance to help you and your new team member with training, communication, and more.
Ilya, Grocery Outlet
“Ilya is always a bright spot in my day, and I look forward to seeing him when he comes in to work.” – Alex Roquet, Grocery Outlet Store Manager (WVS employment story)
Ilya has seamlessly integrated into his team at Grocery Outlet Bellingham, showcasing his valuable work skills and strong work ethic. His role in the produce department, where he stocks and tidies, is a perfect fit for his interests. Ilya has a close bond with his manager, who has taught him essential skills like filling the salad case and rotating product dates. Ilya has grown in confidence, achieving the milestone of working on his own. His dedication and the supportive work culture highlight the positives of a well-matched job placement.
Christopher, Burlington
“Christopher has been with Burlington for over three years now, and he has proven that he is a core member of our team. He brings an admiring attitude each and every shift, and everyone loves having him around as much as he loves working with us.” –Burlington Store Manager
Christopher has been a Burlington Backroom Associate since November 2019. He excels at breaking down and compacting cardboard boxes, contributing significantly to operations. Christopher’s coworkers and managers appreciate his hard work and love for music-filled shifts. Burlington's inclusive work culture ensures Christopher is an integral part of the team. This showcases the company’s commitment to equal opportunity and employee support.
Hilary, Seedlings Early Learning Center
While working at the Fred Meyer service deli, Hilary independently completed Whatcom Community College’s Early Childhood Education Program in 2016. She then got her dream job at Seedlings Early Learning Center as a Substitute Teacher’s Aide. Hilary’s journey embodies the dedication needed to reach one's goals.
Caelan, Park Bowl
“It is wonderful to have Caelan here. We wish we had two of him!” –Park Bowl manager
Caelan has been thriving as a Porter/Lane Attendant at Park Bowl since October 2022, after graduating from his high school’s Transitions Program. He loves the fast-paced environment, saying he enjoys that "it’s always moving!” Caelan and his job coach, Abi, value the support from co-workers, who provide advice on transportation, budgeting, and living independently. Caelan’s manager Holly praises his comedic relief and banter, noting that he knows when to be serious.
Aaron, Justesen Industries Inc.
“He’s the quickest one to get back to work, he rarely misses days, and he doesn’t loaf around or get distracted when he’s at work. He sets an example.” -Wolfgang, Justesen Industries Inc. owner
Aaron was very happy to find work at Justesen Industries Inc. in Blaine. His role has boosted his confidence and social life. He has gone from someone nervous about interactions to a coworker who chats about football during breaks. Aaron’s coworkers have supported him by customizing tools and creating jigs to aid his tasks. These innovations are now available company-wide. Known for his strong work ethic, Aaron is always early and eager to start his day, setting an example with his dedication. Aaron’s personal and professional growth has seen a significant impact because of the supportive environment and Justesen Industries’ commitment to inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The US Department of Labor states that under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are job or workplace modifications that enable individuals with disabilities to have equal opportunities. Required accommodations include:
- Ensuring equal opportunity in applications.
- Performing essential job functions.
- Accessing employment benefits.
Accommodations may include:
- Having a job coach provide one-on-one support.
- Modified schedules or job tasks.
- Simplified processes.
- Visual task lists or instructions developed by job coaches.
- Assistive technology or communication devices. Employees will work with their job coach and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to access these tools.
Hiring an employee with a disability is no riskier than hiring anyone else. Our services offer a job coach to help them learn the job and get used to their duties.
We provide this service at no cost to you! According to the Job Accommodation Network, 56% of accommodations cost nothing. Financial help is often available for accommodations that have a cost.
No. New employees hired through this service will have a job coach. The job coach will help them navigate their role and meet position expectations.
According to national data, the retention rate for people with developmental disabilities is 93.6%. However, if it does not work out, use the same process you would use for your other employees.
Contact HireAbility Whatcom at [email protected] to get started. After learning more about your business needs, we will work with local employment providers to find the best candidates. Once you hire someone, you will directly communicate with them and their job coach.