The Tampa Bay Metro Business Leadership Network is an employer-to-employer network with a vision of increasing workforce diversity through the recruitment and hiring of qualified workers with disabilities. It is part of a state and national network of 43 BLN's in 32 states.

"Once an overlooked talent pool, people with disabilities are contributing to the American economy in ways never imagined..."

Thomas J. Donohue, President & CEO of US Chamber of Commerce

THE FACTS:

• According to Census 2000, 49.7 million people (19.3% of the population) have some level of disability
• In Florida the estimate is 22% of the population
• People with disabilities represent America's largest minority group, but only 32% of American's with disabilities ages 18-64 are employed
• More than two-thirds of those who are unemployed would rather be working
• U.S. employers will face a shortage of 10,000,000 workers by 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Workers with disabilities have higher than average retention rates and company loyalty