More Than 1,500 College Students from CT Save Average of $7,700 in Tuition in New England Program

Seventy-eight percent of college students from Connecticut participating this academic year in a reciprocal tuition reduction program coordinated by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) attend undergraduate programs at state colleges and universities.  That’s the highest participation level at state colleges and universities among the six New England states, and provides Connecticut students, on average, with $7,747 in tuition savings.  That's the third highest average tuition savings among the six states. In an annual report on the Regional Student Program (RSP), also known as Tuition Break, NEBHE reported that more than $59 million in tuition savings was provided during academic year 2017-18 to 8,654 participating students throughout the region.  Just over 1,500 of them are from Connecticut.

The RSP allows eligible residents of the six New England states to pay a reduced tuition rate when they enroll at out-of-state public colleges and universities within the region and pursue approved degree programs not offered by their home-state public institutions. In some cases, students may be eligible when their home is closer to an out-of-state college than to an in-state college. Connecticut residents are eligible for more than 500 undergraduate and graduate degree programs with the RSP Tuition Break.

There were more students coming in to Connecticut public institutions of higher education from other New England states than Connecticut students pursuing their education elsewhere in the region.  There were 239 students from Connecticut attending community colleges elsewhere in the region, while 197 students came into Connecticut.

Among the institutions seeing the highest number of incoming students in the Tuition Break program were the University of Connecticut (724 undergraduate students), Asnuntuck Community College (163) and Eastern Connecticut State University (172).

At the undergraduate level, 1,210 students came into the state under the RSP initiative, while 948 from Connecticut attended colleges outside the state under the program.  At the graduate level, the trend was reversed:  102 came in to Connecticut while 93 went outside the state through the tuition break program.

The data compiled on the RSP indicates that participating students and families saved an estimated $59 million on this academic year's tuition bills, with a full-time student saving an average of $8,157.  Overall, enrollment at four-year undergraduate institutions decreased by 2%, following a 6.8% increase the previous year. Graduate enrollment increased by 11%. Enrollment at community colleges decreased by nearly 9%.  Participating Massachusetts students saved an average of $9,285; Rhode Island students an average of $8,613 and Connecticut students an average of $7,747.

New England public colleges and universities received nearly $97 million in tuition revenue from RSP students enrolled at their campuses.  Undergraduate programs at four-year state colleges and universities accounted for 59% of RSP enrollment; associate programs, 35%; and graduate programs, 6%.

In Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island, the highest percentage of residents enrolled under the RSP in undergraduate programs were at the state colleges and universities: 78%, 66%, 60% and 56%, respectively. In Vermont and New Hampshire, the highest percentage of residents enrolled under the RSP were at the community colleges: 52% and 48%, respectively.

Among the programs enrolling Connecticut residents in 2017-18 are animation, aquaculture & fisher technology, criminal justice, food science, forestry, legal studies, marine engineering, marine science, marine transportation, mountain recreation management, performing arts, fashion merchandising, and zoology.

More than 850 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered under the RSP, many of them in specialized and high-demand fields. In 2017, the region's public colleges and universities approved 33 additional programs.  Officials note that program offerings expand each year.  Programs now include:

Associate degree programs (8): Audio Engineering, Culinary Arts: Baking and Pastry, Entrepreneurship, Fine Woodworking and Furniture Design, Global Studies, International Business, Professional Writing, Video/Film

Bachelor's degree programs (13): Accelerated Nursing, Aging Studies, Climate Change Science, Elementary Education: Community Engaged Learning, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Fine Woodworking and Furniture Design, Fisheries Biology, Health Care Studies, Information Technology International Affairs (dual major), Movement Science: Wilderness Leadership Concentration, Wildlife Biology, World Languages Education (K-12)

Graduate programs (12): Master's: Athletic Training, Engineering Management, Exercise and Health Sciences, Genetics and Genomic Counseling, Music Pedagogy, Quantitative Economics, Transnational, Cultural and Community Studies, Urban Planning and Community Development

Doctoral: Computational Sciences, Counseling Psychology, Exercise and Health Sciences, Health Promotion Science

Now in its 61st year, the RSP was established by NEBHE in 1957-58 to fulfill the purposes of the congressionally authorized New England Higher Education Compact forged to expand educational opportunities for New England residents and share higher education resources. The RSP helps the individual New England states avoid the high costs of establishing and operating academic programs already offered in the six-state region.

PERSPECTIVE: Most Investors See Finances on Track in 2018

by Joseph Matthews Confidence in achieving financial goals is solidly on the positive side of the spectrum, according to a recent survey, with a significant majority of those surveyed reporting that they are on track, progressing in their desired direction.

A Morgan Stanley poll of high net worth investors revealed that 91 percent of investors surveyed believe they are on track to achieving their long-term financial goals. About 35 percent see saving for retirement as their top goal, with 33 percent most interested in transitioning wealth to the next generation – and the remaining 32 percent working to pay off a mortgage.[1]

In what could be a major statement of confidence in the future, 88 percent of Millennials, nationally, said they believe they are on track to reach their long-term goals. Interestingly, Millennials’ priorities also include saving for retirement, with 44 percent placing that objective as their top priority. But their number two and three goals swap places with many older respondents with 42 percent of Millennials preferring to pay off a mortgage, and 35 percent listing paying for a child or a grandchild’s education. [2]

While it is difficult to say what has led to this sentiment, there are a few factors to consider regarding the Connecticut economy in particular. The state added 6,000 jobs in December, pushing year-end totals to 7,700.^[3] Even manufacturing jobs increased over the year, while the largest gain came in the professional and business services category.[4]

Meanwhile, nationally, 77 percent of those polled in the Morgan Stanley survey said they expected improvement in their various state economies over the next year, and 87 percent said they expected the same for their local economies.[5]

However, when it came to their personal finances, 88 percent of those surveyed said they wish they started to save for their overall financial goals much sooner.[6]

So, despite the fact that the future is looking good in the eyes of most investors surveyed, it remains key to keep financial goals in mind. It is never too earlier to plan for the future. And, I believe, it is never too late to try to begin to make up for the years when funds might not have been earmarked for longer term financial goals.

As well, I believe that the seemingly ongoing bullish stock market should not cause an investor to shy away, believing the financial train has already left the station. Of course, while there certainly are no guarantees that this market trend will continue, there remain solid opportunities to selectively add equities to one’s portfolio – as long as long-term goals are kept in mind and the portfolio remains properly diversified.

Balance remains the watchword. That means proper balance of risk, as well as proper balance of the various types of investments in a portfolio.

So, if the stock market continues to go up or if it should pull back from record highs, each investor should feel confident that, over time, there is a plan in place that will help you achieve your financial goals.

_______________________________

Joseph Matthews is a Financial Advisor with the Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Fairfield. He can be reached at 203-319-5165 or by email at joseph.matthews@morganstanley.com.

The information contained in article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, or its affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC, member SIPC.

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[1] Morgan Stanley Investor Pulse Poll 8; CRC # 1960216 (12/17)

[2] Morgan Stanley Investor Pulse Poll 8; CRC # 1960216 (12/17)

[3] https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/Connecticut-adds-6-000-jobs-in-December-ends-12515976.php

[4] https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/Connecticut-adds-6-000-jobs-in-December-ends-12515976.php

[5] Morgan Stanley Investor Pulse Poll 8; CRC # 1960216 (12/17)

[6] Morgan Stanley Investor Pulse Poll 8; CRC # 1960216 (12/17)

CT's Firearm-Related Mortality Rate is 5th Lowest in U.S.; MA is Lowest, Seen as Model for Nation

The death rate from firearms in Connecticut is fifth lowest in the nation, according to data compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  The state follows Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Hawaii.  Connecticut’s 4.6 deaths per 100,000 residents, is slightly higher than Massachusetts’ nation-lowest 3.4 deaths.  And now Massachusetts U.S. Senator Ed Markley is urging other states to follow the Bay State’s lead, and seeking federal funds as incentive for the changes. Markey's newly introduced bill would allocate $20 million in Department of Justice grants each year for the next five years to states that adopt laws like those in Massachusetts, according to published reports.  Perhaps best known is the state's ban on assault weapons, signed in 2004 by Gov. Mitt Romney, now a candidate for U.S. Senate in Utah. The state also requires gun dealers to conduct background checks, mandates private sellers to verify that buyers have a valid gun license, bans “mentally defective” people from owning firearms, and requires weapons to be unloaded and locked away when not in use.

Last year, Massachusetts became the first state to ban rapid-firing bump stocks after the Las Vegas shooting. At least 15 states – including Connecticut - are currently considering similar bans, and several others have tightened up restrictions already in place, Governing magazine recently reported.

In Connecticut, Governor Malloy has repeatedly called for a ban on bump stocks in Connecticut, and the matter is currently before the state legislature.  The bill was subject of a lengthy public hearing last week at the State Capitol complex.

Connecticut is also one of only five states – including Massachusetts - that gives police chiefs the authority to deny, suspend or revoke licenses for handguns and long guns. This aspect of the law has been cited as being instrumental in keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people. In addition to Connecticut and Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, California, Hawaii, Illinois and New Jersey have enacted a law allowing local law enforcement to approve or deny gun licenses.

The highest per capita firearm mortality rates in the nation are in Alaska (23.3), Alabama (21.5), Louisiana (21.3), Mississippi (19.9), Oklahoma (19.6) and Missouri (19.0).  The United States average is 11.8.  The statistics are based on 2016 data, the most recent available.

Goodbye Columbus? Indigenous Peoples Day Gains Another CT School District

West Hartford’s Board of Education voted this month to mark Indigenous People’s Day, rather than Columbus Day, in the town’s schools beginning next year.  Bridgeport schools made the change in 2015, and the New London school district replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day in 2016. There are no Connecticut municipalities that have voted to change the name of Columbus Day. In 2017, Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden introduced legislation at the state level to make the change, but the proposal died in a legislative committee and was not voted on by either the House or Senate.

Instead of honoring Christopher Columbus, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of the land that later became the United States of America. Advocates for the switch to Indigenous Peoples Day argue that Columbus did not “discover” America in 1492 but instead began the colonization of it.

The states of Minnesota, Alaska and South Dakota celebrate Indigenous People’s Day or Native Americans Day, instead of Columbus Day.

TIME magazine has reported that with the exception of Santa Cruz, Calif., and the state of South Dakota, which adopted the similar Native American Day in place of Columbus Day in 1990, the jurisdictions that have chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day have done so relatively recently, with cities like Minneapolis and Seattle voting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead in 2014, and Los Angeles doing so last year, with the observance to begin in 2019.  In 2016, the state of Vermont (by gubernatorial proclamation) and city of Phoenix, AZ celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day. When the city of Austin adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October 2017, the resolution stated that the city wanted to encourage schools to teach this history.

For decades, Native American activists have advocated abolishing Columbus Day, which became a federal holiday in 1937.  On the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ landing, the Society of St. Tammany, or the Columbian Order, organized the first celebration of Columbus Day on Oct. 12, 1792, according to the Library of Congress. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated Oct. 12 as the national holiday called Columbus Day. It became a federal holiday honored annually on the second Monday in October in 1971.

Tracey Wilson, a former social studies teacher at Conard who is also town historian, told we-ha.com that it’s important to “help our students distinguish between nostalgia and history.” Today’s world is different than it was when Columbus Day was first celebrated in 1892 and when the day became a national holiday in 1934, she said.

Land of Steady Habits is 4th Most Unpredictable State, Analysis Shows

Connecticut, long seen as the quintessential Land of Steady Habits, is surprisingly ranked as the nation’s fourth most unpredictable state in an analysis that appeared recently in the Orange County (CA) Record. The analysis brought together three recent surveys: Best State to Raise a Family, by WalletHub; Best Livability from Gallup; and “Best state” by U.S. News & World Report. The analysis included each state’s overall rankings plus the subcategory scores that helped produce the three scorecards, the newspaper reported.

The goal was to use “standard deviation” on the factors in the three studies to see if there were any patterns of predictability.  And some were, more than others.  Predictability was not necessarily reflective of high regard.  West Virginia, for example, finished near the bottom of two of the three surveys, and thus was “predictable,” finishing high in predictability because of finishing predictably low in the various surveys.

The most unpredictable state was New Jersey, followed by New Mexico and Idaho.  After fourth-ranking Connecticut were California, Florida, Rhode Island, Alaska, Arizona, Massachusetts and Hawaii.

On the other end of the spectrum, the most predictable state was Minnesota, followed by West Virginia, Nebraska, Louisiana, Michigan, Virginia, Colorado and Pennsylvania.

In the three surveys studied, Connecticut ranked 11^th, 24^th and 20^th.  The composite of the three scores ranked the state 17^th in the U.S. on the three rankings combined.  Its’ range in the subcategories was from third to forty-third – hence the unpredictability.

PERSPECTIVE: ATT/Time Warner Merger Could Wreak Havoc on Consumers Without Net Neutrality

by Bob Duff and Derek Slap We were pleased to see that Connecticut joined 21 other Democratic Attorneys General in the lawsuit to halt the Trump Administration Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to repeal net neutrality provisions. In addition, we proposed Senate Bill 2, An Act Concerning Internet Service Providers and Net Neutrality Principles, which would require internet service providers to abide by consumer friendly principles. We hope both efforts are successful and help protect Net Neutrality in Connecticut.

There is another pending matter that could have disastrous consequences in the absence of net neutrality: the proposed acquisition of Time Warner by AT&T. The Trump Department of Justice is suing to block the proposed merger.  Sometimes people do the right thing for the wrong reasons.  This appears to be the case here.  President Trump’s well-known animus against CNN has fueled his opposition to the deal. Many people are speculating that DOJ is suing to block the merger to curry favor with the President.

It is impossible to assess the AT&T / Time Warner merger without taking into consideration the impact that the Trump Administration FCC’s proposed net neutrality rollback would have. AT&T is the third-largest broadband provider in the United States, with 15.7 million subscribers. And they own DirecTV, by far the largest satellite television provider, with over 20 million subscribers. If the Trump Administration is successful in fully implementing its net neutrality repeal, but is unsuccessful in blocking the AT&T / Time Warner merger, it would create a nightmare scenario for consumers.

There would be nothing to stop AT&T or its subsidiaries from placing streaming content it controls – properties which would include HBO, the sporting events broadcast on Turner Sports, which include the NBA, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the Major League Baseball Playoffs, and the entire Warner Brothers film catalog – in a fast lane, or from slowing down delivery of content they don’t own to their subscribers.

In addition to the multi-state lawsuit to block the Trump Administration’s net neutrality repeal, we also believe Connecticut, under the leadership of Attorney General George Jepsen and Elin Katz of the Office of Consumer Counsel, should initiate an investigation and consider filing a separate suit to block the proposed merger between AT&T and Time Warner on behalf of consumers.

We need the answers to important questions regarding how a mega-merger could manipulate the internet and should do whatever we can to protect Connecticut consumers. We should not be afraid to lead this fight.

_______________________________

Representative Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) is the Vice-Chair of the legislature's Energy and Technology Committee.  Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) is the Senate Majority Leader.  

CT Arts Organizations to Participate in Make Music Day on June 21, Joining 800 Communities in 120 Countries

A year ago, over 800 cities around the world threw citywide music celebrations on June 21. Three decades after the concept was born in France, the Make Music celebrations has spread throughout the world and is now marked in more than 120 countries.  Later this spring, it arrives in Connecticut for the first time.

Make Music Connecticut will feature an eclectic mix of over 250 free outdoor musical events, and is part of Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on the summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music.

In addition to Connecticut, more than 70 U.S. cities will collectively host thousands of Make Music performances. The event is not a concert, or series of concerts, organizers point out.  Any musician, amateur or professional, young or old, is invited to take part by signing up at MakeMusicCT.org. Registration closes on May 21, 2018.

In addition, Connecticut businesses, buildings, schools, churches, and other institutions can visit the website to offer their outdoor spaces as concert locations.  It is the world’s largest annual music event.

The event was held for the first time in North America 11 years ago.  The numbers continue to grow.  On June 21, 2017, 53 North American cities organized 4,138 free concerts at 1,179 locations.

Each Make Music city is independently organized. Often it’s a local community group, media outlet, arts presenter, government agency, or civic leader who champions the musical holiday in their hometown.

Make Music Day Connecticut is being administered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of the Arts and the following organizations: Greater Hartford Arts Council, Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition, The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Windham Arts, Stamford Downtown, Middletown Commission on the Arts, Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, Fairfield Theatre Company, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, the City of Waterbury and City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport.

The plan at the  Greater Hartford Arts Council is for “sidewalks, parks, front porches, and public spaces throughout the city” to become “stages for local musicians to perform and for all to enjoy.” Registration has opened, with  matchmaking software in place for musicians to register, create profiles and find a match for their Make Music Hartford performance.  Similar initiatives are being launched by the other participating Connecticut organizations.  Circle June 21 on the calendar!  Wherever you are in Connecticut, music won't be too far away.

Students Excel in Winning Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair Recognition

Students from across Connecticut won awards at the 70^thConnecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) held this past weekend at Quinnipiac University.  Students were recognized for their achievement and innovation in a half dozen categories, including physical science, life science, biotechnology, and engineering.  Individual and team awards were presented, for grades 9-12 and grades 7-8.  There was also an Urban School Challenge category. The individual high school physical and life science first and second place winners, as well as the Alexion Biotechnology, CASE Urban School Challenge, and UTC Aerospace Engineering winners are packing their project boards to compete at the prestigious Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), to be held this week in Pittsburgh, PA.

Other CSEF winners will represent Connecticut and compete for cash and scholarships at other competitions, including the 2018 GENIUS Olympiad and the 2018 Broadcom MASTERS competition.

The Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair is a yearly, statewide science and engineering fair open to all students in grades 7-12 residing, or enrolled, in Connecticut and Fishers Island schools.

The primary objective of the fair is to attract young people to careers in mathematics, science, and engineering while developing critical thinking and public speaking skills. Through their participation in the fair, students are encouraged to pursue independent work using proper research methods.

The fair is supported by academic and industrial organizations through the state. The non-profit Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair is a volunteer organization fund that directs funds toward student awards, educational presentations, fair operations, and workshops.

Students from Bethany, Danbury, East Lyme, Greenwich, New Haven, West Hartford, Wilton, and Windsor earned top prizes at the 2018 event.

Individual winners in Grades 9-12 include:

Physical Science – Maya Geradi, Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven

Life Science – Emily Philippides, Greenwich High School

Biotechnology – Shobhita Sundaram, Greenwich High School

Engineering – Keshav Vedula, CREC Academy of Aerospace & Engineering High School, Windsor

Individual winners at the middle school level include:

Physical Science - Khushi Parikh, Westside Middle School Academy, Danbury (Grade 8)

Varun Vadhera, Middlebrook School, Wilton (Grade 7)

Life Sciences - Grace Flynn, St. Timothy Middle School, West Hartford (Grade 8)

Athena Brown, Worthington Hooker Middle School, New Haven (Grade 7)

Biotechnology - Paloma Lenz, Westside Middle School Academy, Danbury

Engineering - Timothy Chen, Westside Middle School Academy, Danbury

See the full list of winners here.

Connecticut Export Week, Which Starts Today, is One-of-a-Kind in U.S.

There is only one state in the nation that has an “export week,” designed to encourage more in-state businesses to take the first steps toward building international business connections.  “Connecticut Export Week,” now in its third year, takes place March 19-23, 2018. The week-long focus on the business potential of exports features a dozen events and webinars with expertise offered in a range of broad and very specific aspects of international business. It is a joint initiative of the U.S. Export Center and the affiliated District Export Council.  Connecticut is the only state where the local office of the federal agency functions as the State Trade Office.

The initiative has been very successful in exporting awareness and training for companies, according to officials.  The information shared by experts at programs and events during the week helps companies become “Export Ready” so that when they use agency services to meet new customers and get into new markets, they are better prepared to close the deal.

According to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association's 2017 international trade survey, there are nearly 6,000 companies exporting from within the state.   Connecticut achieved export levels in goods and services reaching $14.4 billion, contributing to the more than $1.45 trillion in U.S. commodity exports in 2016.

Topics during the week will include Market Research, Global Intellectual Property, Digital Strategy, Doing Business with NATO, export Finance and Insurance for U.S. Exporters, Understanding Foreign Exchange and Letters of Credit and Export Documentation Basics.  There will also be a CEO’s and Managers Export Forum, a session focused on Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing in Germany, and another on Infrastructure in Peru.

According to U.S. Census Bureau 2017 data, nations topping the list of exports from Connecticut are France (14.3%), Canada (12.8%), Germany (12.4%), United Kingdom (8.8%), Mexico (7.0%), China (5.4%), Netherlands (4.2%), Japan (3.7%), South Korea (3.6%) and Singapore (2.7%).

CBIA noted that the vast majority (89%) of Connecticut businesses engaged in international trade are small and midsize enterprises employing fewer than 500 workers.  The top three areas where Connecticut companies are looking for assistance, the survey found, are market research (52%), making connections with customers (32%), and finding foreign representatives (19%). Connecticut's top three export categories, the CBIA survey pointed out, are transportation equipment, machinery, and computer and electronic products, sold primarily to France, Germany, and Canada.

Between 2007 and 2017, there has been a steady increase in the number of Connecticut companies engaging in international trade, the CBIA survey found —from 53% to 77% over the 10-year period.

PERSPECTIVE - Changing Minds and Changing Lives: The Measurable Business Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities

by Kris Foss Nearly 40% of employers are having challenges hiring qualified employees, while at the same time one in five people in the United States have some type of disability and are facing challenges in getting hired.  Some disabilities are visible, such as physical disabilities, and some are hidden; including mental health conditions, medical conditions, learning and cognitive disabilities.  We also have a large population “aging into disability” for the first time and veterans with disabilities returning to the civilian workforce.

I am often asked about the types of jobs a person with a disability can do and my answer is always the same—“What do you have?”  The reality is that the talent pool of people with disabilities remains underutilized, even though it includes job seekers with a wide and diverse range of education, degrees, professional certifications, work experience and skills. 

Talent with disabilities brings alternative perspectives to getting a job done, to solving a problem, and to reaching a goal.  It is this unique perspective and life experiences that can contribute innovative ideas, processes and market reach.

Opportunity:  Market

People with disabilities in the United States alone represent an annual spending power of $645 billion, and their friends and families—those who would make spending decisions based on how inclusive and accessible a company may be, represent another $4 trillion in annual spending, according to the Return on Disability Group.

Opportunity: Talent

Hiring people with disabilities is not about charity, but about smart business.  Ranging across industries and business lines, our clients include some familiar brands such as PepsiCo, Synchrony Financial, American Express, Aon and Staples.  These companies and others are taking action to meet their talent needs across the board and seeing real business results including key HR metrics:

• An average 14% higher retention rate in the same roles;
• 33% decrease in interview to hire ratios, saving talent acquisition professionals valuable time while decreasing time to fill;
• 53 points and 28 points higher rates of voluntary “self-disclosure” among jobseekers with disabilities and veteran’s respectively—important compliance results for government contractors and reflecting a positive and inclusive corporate culture;

Diversity within Disability

People with disabilities cut across all dimensions of diversity and several areas of EEO reporting including:

• 35% Women
• 21% Veterans
• 19% Hispanic
• 36% White
• 42% Black

Making the Connection

Companies have several ways to connect with jobseekers with disabilities. Cultivating talent partnerships is an important part of creating strong talent pipelines in the community. Disability Solutions creates customized inclusive hiring strategies that forge these talent partnerships, or recruiters can take the following steps:

1. Conduct research within your geographic recruitment area. There can often be 50 to 75 community-based organizations in your area. It is important to start wide, in order to identify partners who can connect you with jobseekers who meet your particular talent needs.
2. Utilize those partnerships to increase your pipeline of talent through a variety of pre-application engagement activities. These can be onsite informational and training sessions, or simply a guide to help partners prepare their referrals prior to application.  This leads to qualified and work-ready candidates heading your way!
3. Post open positions on employment websites for people with disabilities such as the Disability Solutions online Career Center, disabilitysolutionstalent.org. It is a great way to begin building a new pipeline of talent. More than 400,000 people with disabilities visit the site every month to find a career.
4. Focus on talent acquisition and retention. Smart employers focus on developing talent. Provide natural supports, mentors, and ongoing training to develop the best employees and promote retention.

Growing Talent Competition

As the competition for top talent increases, leading companies are searching for new and valuable talent pools.  Those taking action in reaching talent with disabilities are recognizing measurable and meaningful business outcomes.  What type of jobs can a person with a disability do?  What have you got?

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Kris Foss is the Managing Director of Disability Solutions at Ability Beyond, located in Bethel, Connecticut.  The consulting division of nonprofit Ability Beyond, Disability Solutions is CHANGING minds and CHANGING lives by creating customized plans for companies to strengthen their workforce by hiring and retaining talent with disabilities.   Their consultants have partnered with top companies to successfully fill talent gaps by attracting a historically under tapped talent pool – people with disabilities.