Dive In: Springboard into the Profitability, Productivity, and Potential of the Special Needs Workforce »

Nadine O. Vogel is Founder and President of Springboard Consulting LLC. Springboard works with national and global firms on how to appropriately support employees who either have a disability or who have a child or other dependent with special needs through diversity, work life and human resource initiatives.

Looking for the perfect employee? Nadine Vogel urges you to consider the special needs workforce-people with disabilities, parents of children with special needs, and older workers.
In her opening chapter, Vogel cites these facts about people with disabilities:

• They are more likely to stay with an employer than their non-disabled counterparts. Older workers also have reduced turnover rates.
• They consistently meet or exceed job performance and productivity expectations.
• They have a well-deserved reputation (backed up by research) for innovation. Accustomed to adapting, they are often quick to troubleshoot, formulate new ideas, and adopt cutting-edge solutions.
• Their absentee rates are lower than "typical employees'".

With the beginning of the retirement years for baby boomers and smaller cohorts following them, the available labor pool in the United States is diminishing. But even if the current economic situation means that more people stay in their jobs longer, Vogel points out that older workers are often dealing with some sort of disability and may need some extra support from their employers.
In this readable book, Vogel takes you through what you need to know to make the most of this creative workforce. The book includes a directory of resources as well as interviews with executives from today's leading corporations showing best practices in the critical areas of dealing with disability in the workplace. Sidebars expose myths and stereotypes, provide disability etiquette advice, statistics, and specific best practices.

Chapter 1 Step Up to the Platform: Introduction

Chapter 2 Jump Into the Talent Pool: Recruiting

Chapter 3 Different Strokes for Different Folks: Training

Chapter 4 Supporting the Swimmer: Accommodations

Chapter 5 Everyday CPR: Employee Benefits and Benefits Guidance

Chapter 6 Gather the Gear: Employee Resources

Chapter 7 Staying Afloat: Work-Life and Support

Chapter 8 Make Waves: The Impact

Chapter 9 Grab Your Towels and Go: Summation and Next Steps

Sidebars will expose myths and stereotypes, provide disability etiquette advice, statistics, and specific best practices.