Disabled workers - 02/2001

Cisco is making a concerted effort to recruit disabled workers. It's estimated there are thousands of disabled individuals on staff right now, and hiring managers are looking to attract more. The high-tech powerhouse is recruiting at the Rochester Institute for the Deaf. Cisco has also tapped disabled employees through regional organizations like Project Hired and national groups like the National Disability Business Council. In order to practice what they preach, Cisco has developed and implemented its own program to teach disability etiquette and outreach techniques to company recruiters. Even the company's Website is accessible, with the audio and video files available in its recruiting section. Executives say hiring employees with disabilities is smart business. They bring diversity to the workforce, which helps improve productivity and creativity.

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