Department of Administration to manage funding that will reimburse agencies making accommodations to recruit and retain employees with disabilities

SAINT PAUL - Minnesota state government is taking steps to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities through a new program introduced by the Department of Administration (Admin). Minnesota's Accommodation Fund will support Governor Dayton's goals to hire more individuals with disabilities by reimbursing Executive Branch agencies that make accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.

Through the accommodation fund, agencies can seek reimbursement for modifying an employee's desk or workstation, purchasing assistive technology devices, or paying for a sign language interpreter, to provide just a few examples. About $160,000 is available for reimbursement in fiscal year 2016. Agencies have until the end of January to submit their first wave of requests for reimbursement.

"All Minnesotans should have an equal opportunity to serve the state, said Commissioner Matt Massman. "Minnesota's Accommodation Fund will not only remove barriers for people with disabilities, but will also assist state government in taking proactive action to recruit and retain the dynamic workforce we need to build a better Minnesota."

In 2014, Governor Dayton directed state agencies to to provide greater state employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities, via Executive Order 14-14. During the 2015 legislative session, the Dayton Administration proposed the accommodation fund to the legislature, who passed it into law and directed Admin to manage it.

More information on Minnesota's Accommodation Fund can be found at mn.gov/admin/accommodation-fund.

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Contact: Curt Yoakum
Assistant Commissioner, Communications and Planning
curtis.yoakum@state.mn.us
651-201-2771