News

Originally published in Pittsburgh Business Times

Today’s workforce challenges are well documented. Employers across nearly every industry continue to face talent shortages, rising recruitment costs, and increased pressure to retain skilled employees. As organizations search for new workforce solutions, one talent pool remains significantly underutilized—not because of a lack of ability, but because many employers simply don’t know where to begin.

People with disabilities represent an extraordinary source of talent, innovation, and commitment. At Achieva Business Services, hiring qualified talent with disabilities isn’t simply a social initiative—it’s a business strategy.

“Our conversations with employers almost always begin the same way,” said Court Hower, President of Achieva Support. “They’re looking for dependable employees, stronger retention, and new ways to build their workforce. What they often discover is that hiring qualified talent with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s one of the smartest business decisions they can make.”

For 75 years, Achieva has empowered people with disabilities to lead lives of personal significance. Today, through Achieva Business Services, the organization partners with employers throughout Pennsylvania to strengthen workforces by connecting businesses with talented job seekers while providing the tools and expertise needed to create long-term success.

More Than Hiring—Building Workforce Partnerships

Achieva's approach begins with creating what it calls “Good Job Matches.” Rather than simply filling open positions, the Business Services team develops partnerships that benefit both employers and employees. Every placement starts by understanding a company’s operational needs and matching them with an individual’s strengths, interests, and goals.

“We think of ourselves as workforce matchmakers,” Hower said. “The goal isn’t simply employment. It’s finding the right person, the right role, and the right workplace so both the employer and employee can succeed.”

That partnership continues well beyond the first day of work.

An Extension of Your HR Team

One of Achieva's greatest strengths is its Inclusion Liaison model.

Rather than asking employers to navigate disability hiring alone, Inclusion Liaisons work alongside human resource professionals and hiring managers to develop practical workforce solutions. They help identify opportunities, find qualified talent, review job descriptions for accessibility, support onboarding, provide disability awareness training, identify assistive technology solutions, and connect employers with resources to pay for them. Inclusion Liaisons also help ensure job seekers receive the support they need by connecting them with Employment Specialists, who provide on-the-job training and ongoing workplace support tailored to the person’s needs. In most cases supported by public funding sources like the state Vocational Rehabilitation program and Medicaid, these services are delivered one-on-one at no cost to the employer.

“Our role is to remove uncertainty,” Hower said. “Employers shouldn’t have to become disability experts overnight. We provide guidance and ongoing support so businesses can focus on what they do best while building stronger, more robust and qualified teams.”

Hiring Talent with Disabilities Delivers Measurable Business Results

The benefits of hiring qualified talent with disabilities extend well beyond corporate social responsibility.

Organizations recognized for hiring talent with disabilities often report stronger economic performance, increased profitability, and greater innovation than their peers.

Retention is another significant advantage. Replacing employees is costly, and employers continue to prioritize strategies that reduce turnover. People with disabilities often demonstrate strong commitment to their work and employers, helping companies lower their recruitment and training costs while strengthening workplace stability.

Many employers are also surprised to learn that workplace accommodations are frequently simple and affordable–most accommodations cost little or nothing to implement while improving productivity and workplace safety.

Businesses may also qualify for financial incentives, including Work Opportunity Tax Credits, On-the-Job Training reimbursements, and more, creating additional return on investment while expanding workforce opportunities.

Building a Workforce for the Future

As workforce expectations continue to evolve, successful organizations are expanding how—and where—they recruit talent.

Achieva Business Services helps employers bridge the gap between qualified job seekers and meaningful employment through person-centered planning, customized employment strategies, accessible hiring practices, and ongoing partnership throughout the employment lifecycle.

“There is incredible talent waiting to contribute to our region’s workforce,” Hower said. “When employers focus on people’s strengths, invest in hiring people with disabilities, and build the right partnerships, everyone wins. Businesses become stronger, employees build meaningful careers, and our communities become more vibrant."

In today’s competitive labor market, hiring qualified talent with disabilities is more than a social responsibility—it is a strategic investment in people, performance, and long-term business success. Achieva Business Services is helping employers discover that the question is no longer why hiring qualified talent with disabilities matters, but why more organizations haven’t already made it part of their workforce strategy.