Inclusive Workplace Guide Online Resources
This page brings together the online resources from the Tennessee Businesses for the Better guide, “How to Turn Your Business into a More Inclusive Workplace.” If you scanned the QR code in the printed guide, you’ll find all the corresponding links here, making it easy to access helpful tools, guidance, and best practices for building a more inclusive workplace.
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Federal Tax Incentives
Businesses that hire people with disabilities may qualify for certain federal tax incentives:
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): A federal tax credit available to employers who invest in American job seekers who have consistently faced barriers to employment. Employers may meet their business needs and claim a tax credit if they hire an individual who is in a WOTC targeted group.
- Disabled Access Credit: For small businesses that incur costs to remove barriers and provide accessibility for customers and employees with disabilities.
- Barrier Removal Tax Deduction: For businesses removing architectural and transportation barriers that impede individuals with disabilities, e.g., installing lifts in company vehicles.
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State Tax Incentives
Businesses that hire people with disabilities may qualify for certain state tax incentives:
- Job Tax Credit: A standard job tax credit is available to taxpayers who invest in Tennessee and create jobs as a result of the investment. The business must file a business plan in order to qualify. Available through the Tennessee Department of Revenue, this credit supports businesses that employ individuals with disabilities.
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Applicable Laws and Regulations
Understanding and complying with applicable laws and regulations helps make your business more inclusive:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access in employment, public services, and facilities.
- ADA Amendments Act of 2008: clarified the definition of disability to provide greater protection and easier access to accommodations for individuals under the original ADA.
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973: prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs and provides vocational services to support employment and independence.
- Section 504: prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, ensuring they have equal access and opportunities.
- Section 508: requires federal agencies to make their electronic communications and technology accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring equal access to websites, software, and digital communications.
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): federal law that helps job seekers, including people with disabilities, access training, education, and employment services to build skills and improve career opportunities.
- Tennessee Disability Act: prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, ensuring they have equal opportunities unless their disability prevents job performance.
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Helpful Links
Helpful links to resources that provide guidance, tools, and best practices to help make your business more inclusive:
- American Job Centers – Career One-Stop Business Center
- Department of Labor – Office of Disability Employment Policy
- Disability Etiquette Guide – How to Connect with People with Disabilities
- Disability Employment Initiative
- Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
- Hire Gauge – Think Beyond the Label
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) For Employers
- Southeast ADA Center – Employment Resources
- Southwest ADA Center – Employer Portal
- Tennessee Smart Start – Small Business Guide
- The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP)
- Vocational Rehabilitation – Business Services
- Website Accessibility Compliance: WCAG 2.0 and 508 Standards