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 (NYSE: 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.
HIG-M
Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking
statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ
materially. Investors should consider the important risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important
risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our 2014 Annual
Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, and the
other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We
assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date
issued.
From time to time, The Hartford may use its website to disseminate
material company information. Financial and other important information
regarding The Hartford is routinely accessible through and posted on our
website at http://ir.thehartford.com.
In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other
information about The Hartford when you enroll your email address by
visiting the “Email Alerts” section at http://ir.thehartford.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2015