Labor Trends Change under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 Qualifying More Americans as Persons with Disabilities

Peoria, IL (October 8, 2009)— The revised 2008 Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act legislation, effective in January of 2009, redefined the act and broadened the scope of who is protected under the ADA. While more people may qualify under the new amendments, a study conducted by DePaul University funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through disabilityworks shows that hiring people with disabilities in your business actually benefits your bottom line.

disabilityworks, a workforce development initiative of the state of Illinois worked with DePaul University on the study and is proud to announce a state-wide business educational Chamber Summit titled “Everything you wanted to know about disabilities but were afraid to ask!” disabilityworks has partnered with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce to host this event. The summit will take place Wednesday, November 4th, at 100 SW Water Street from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There is no charge for participating but registration is required. Please RSVP to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. www.peoriachamber.org

The summit will offer educational updates on the 2008 Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act as well as an opportunity for employers to obtain answers to frequently asked questions about employing people with disabilities and reaching out to this customer base which is good for their bottom line. The summit will provide abundant resources proving the business case and benefits that are present when employers include qualified workers with disabilities in their workforce.

A copy of the DePaul University Economic Impact Study identified above can be found here.

Find more information about disabilityworks visit www.disabilityworks.org. For information about a Chamber Summit location, contact Terry Best, VP Programs and Membership Services, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, tbest@chamber.h-p.org or 309-495-5926.


For more information contact Renee Charles, The Heartland Partnership at 309.495.5905 or rcharles@h-p.org or Ashley Pampel, PACC Director of Marketing at 309.495.5974
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The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice and resource for business in the region. We are a Company of The Heartland Partnership.