As an employer, you know that your company's biggest asset is its well-qualified workforce, made up of individuals who tap their varied backgrounds, experiences, employment histories, qualifications and training to produce a top-notch product or service. Business leaders in Indianapolis also recognize that everyone in a company's workforce need not look or behave exactly alike and that, in fact, diversity enriches the workplace.

Many individuals with disabilities want and are able to work. Their disabilities may prevent some activities, but not all, and often simple accommodations can be made to allow a person with a disability to do a job.

Individuals with disabilities are an enormous, untapped labor pool in Indianapolis at a time when businesses are looking desperately for skilled workers. It is a good business strategy to hire people with disabilities and has had a positive affect on local businesses bottom lines.

The Indianapolis Business Leadership Network is a consortium of local businesspeople who believe that individuals with disabilities have much to offer Indianapolis employers. Network members know the potential of these individuals, and they are available to support and act as a resource in your efforts to hire people with disabilities. If you'd like more information about hiring people with disabilities or joining the Indianapolis Business Leadership Network visit www.ipic.org or www.inbln.org.

For more information supporting the business case for hiring people with disabilities, read Diverse Perspectives: People with Disabilities Fulfilling Your Business Goals and The Business Case for Private Employers.

For best practices in hiring people with disabilities, view the Interim Report on Best Practices for the Employment of People with Disabilities and visit Project SEARCH at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

For more information about people with disabilities working in Indianapolis, view the 2008 State of the Workforce report.