The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made it possible for millions of people with disabilities to contribute their unique skills and talents to the workforce. Employers of all sizes and in all fields have benefited from their contributions. These contributions include accessibility accommodations developed by or for people with disabilities that many people use daily, such as texting and captioning, voice recognition apps, audiobooks and more. 

Although many accommodations cost employers nothing to provide (US Department of Labor), other accommodations may incur costs. To help employers with these costs, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has launched a pilot program called the Employer Reasonable Accommodations Fund. The two-year pilot program runs from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. 

The Employer Reasonable Accommodations Fund is for Minnesota small to mid-sized businesses to employ people with disabilities. Businesses must have less than 500 employees, and gross less than $5 million per year to apply. 

For more information on ERAF, visit the ERAF webpage, email the ERAF team or call 651-539-2390. 

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If you have other questions about hearing loss, please contact us.