The Hartford Announces Report On Success Factors For Hiring And Retaining People With Disabilities

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

In a new report, The Hartford, a leading provider of group disability insurance, and the University of Kansas disability experts announce research that found 80 percent of people with disabilities achieved their career goals at an acceptable level or higher when they had individualized support from employers.

As part of a two-year research partnership, the insurer and the university released a white paper that outlines the critical nature of a strong partnership between a supportive employer and a motivated employee with a disability.

"This research reinforces our long-held belief in focusing on abilities, not limitations, to help employees return to productive lives after an illness or injury," said Mike Dunst, assistant vice president of absence management for The Hartford's Group Benefits business. "Employers must be willing to work collaboratively with employees, listen to their needs and provide support and accommodations to help ensure a successful return to work."

Supporting an employee's education and career goals after an injury or illness is essential to this process. "The importance of supporting motivated and self-determined individuals cannot be underscored enough," said Michael L. Wehmeyer, Ph.D., director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities and the Beach Center on Disability.

The Hartford recommends employers initiate discussions about accommodations with job candidates and employees returning to work after a disability. In a case study examined in the white paper, Sandi Boller, vice president of Human Resources for U.S. Bank, outlined these key factors for a successful return to work:

• Open dialogue between a motivated employee and supportive employer;
• A shared goal of return to work; and
• Individualized, specific accommodations for the employee.

The white paper, "What Every Employer Needs to Know – Key Success Factors for Hiring People with Disabilities," was co-authored by Dunst, Wehmeyer, and Karrie A. Shogren, Ph.D., associate director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities and the Beach Center on Disability.

The research partnership between The Hartford and the University of Kansas includes the impact of self-determination and identity on the career success of people with disabilities. A white paper based on the university's research of military service members with disabilities is slated for 2016.

About the University of Kansas

The Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities encompasses direct service, technical assistance and post-doctoral, pre- and in-service training. Through excellence in research, training, technical assistance and public service in Kansas, the nation and the world, the Beach Center on Disability seeks to make a significant and sustainable difference in the quality of life of families and individuals affected by disability. Both centers are affiliated with the University of Kansas Life Span Institute, one of the largest and most highly regarded human development and disabilities research centers in the country.

About The Hartford

With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford HIG is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHartford. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.

The Hartford^® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including issuing companies, Hartford Life Insurance Company, and Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, Conn.

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