IDHS-DRS provides a wide range of services to assist employers with matching the talents found in the disability community with their individual business needs. Some of these services include:
- Disability Awareness Training,
- Assistive Technology Presentations and Assessments,
- Tax Incentives,
- Customized Training Information and Planning,
- Job Analysis,
- Targeted Hiring Events,
- National Employment Team (NET)/Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP),
- Apprenticeships, and
- Interagency Referrals.
The Business Development-Business Services (BST) team hold memberships on local WIOA core partnerships teams across all four core titles, local chambers, and other similar associations. BST staff sit on committees such as
- Access Will County to address transportation issues in Will-Grundy area with representation from PACE, and
- Chicago Alliance's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee, and Safety Committee to discuss Transportation and safe pedestrian travel.
Staff collaborate with workforce partners to plan and execute disability employment related events including job fairs and employer workshops. Events include "Diverse Abilities in the Workforce." The BST is developing an online directory of service providers working with Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities statewide.
| Workforce Development Activities |
Number of Contacts |
| Workforce Partner Engagements |
131 |
| Employer Engagements |
2,148 |
| Meetings - BST Monthly |
55 |
| Meetings - Employer |
266 |
| Outreach to Williams and Colbert class members |
324 |
| TOTAL CONTACTS |
2,924 |
Activities include support to SWTCIE grant customers who are working under 14C sub-minimum wage agreements. Staff represent BESS statewide in this endeavor. Staff are involved in outreach to at least 324 IPS/Williams and Colbert customers to provide services to customers who have been restricted from employment and now are interested in competitive Integrated Employment (CIE).
