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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Business Leadership Network Events

2008
WSBLN Events & Forums
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O 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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| The Senate's ADA Amendments Act: Only Half Bad Learn More
'Tropic Thunder' Stirs Anger
Funny or just offensive?
Watch CBS News Video
8/11/06 WASHINGTON, DC — The largest cross-disability membership organization in the U.S. condemned all of the entities involved in creating, producing and marketing the movie “Tropic Thunder”
Read More...
8/11/08 What 'Tropic Thunder' Thinks Is Funny
- By Timothy Shriver -
Read More...

Deformed man, who works at a Redmond, WA Safeway store, to get surgery!
5/29/08 - Affiliate KOMO reports. Hear the rest of his story For Careers visit www.safeway.com/careers
July 7, 2008
Ta Yao’s Story:
Translating Obstacles into Opportunity

~ By Anita Browning
Read More...
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New ruling on Airports and ADA: Learn More
Fox 5 Investigates: Disability Discrimination
Watch the Video
8/13/08 NISH CEO - Speaks Out Against Tropic Thunder
Read statement from NISH President and CEO, E. Robert Chamberlin.
8/12/08 LOS ANGELES - "Tropic Thunder " is pushing the envelope too far for groups representing the mentally disabled. Read More...
INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT: THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSES
Read More..
July 14, 2008
Invisible Wounds
By George C. Wilson CongressDaily
Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., already one of the GI's best friends in Congress, has launched himself on a new mission!
Read More... |
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Home About The BLN Resources Sponsors Best Practices
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©
Washington State Business Leadership Network(WSBLN)
Webmaster: Sharon Risdon (Risdon & Associates)

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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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