What businesses think of disability management

Abstract

This research was a descriptive study to determine the main components or characteristics that employees in large businesses think are the most important in an effective disability management program. The 50 largest businesses in Wisconsin and Minnesota were contacted by telephone and different employees who deal with disability-related issues in each company participated in this study. It examined what departments in their company are in charge of handling disability-related issues. This research also examined whether the employee had an awareness of a group of professionals called Certified Rehabilitation Counselors, Certified Disability Management Specialists, and Certified Case Managers. If the employee had heard of these professionals, which professionals have their company hired or thought about hiring to help manage disability-related costs. This research examined what employers think higher academic institutions should do to proactively meet their needs in reducing disability-related costs. Lastly, this research questioned employees in regards to a new specialization at UW-Stout entitled, “Disability Accommodations in Business and Industry.” The findings of the study show that business professionals have a lack of understanding of the term disability management. Many employees said that they never heard of the term disability management. Fifty-six percent of the employees had heard of either a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Case Managers, and/or Certified Disability Management Specialist, but only 18% had heard of all three certifications. Forty-six percent of employees had knowledge of Certified Case Managers, 36% heard of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors, and 22% had heard of Certified Disability Management Specialists. Many employees were very interested in learning what exactly is disability management and were impressed that there are professionals who have the knowledge to reduce disability costs. This study also indicated that businesses are interested in learning about ways to reduce disability-related costs and universities can help. When the employees heard of the new specialization at UW-Stout entitled “Disability Accommodations in Business and Industry,” 92% expressed positive opinions and thought that it would be beneficial. The employees mentioned a wide range of responses when they were asked, “What can universities do to more proactively respond to your needs in reducing disability-related costs?” The two responses mentioned most often were teaching workers’ compensation to all majors and teaching how to achieve a healthy and safe worker. Twelve other ideas were mentioned by employees that would benefit their company in reducing disability-related expenses.