Focus Group Participants Sought for Study

Employers, managers and HR professionals in New York who have worked for their organization for at least two years, are involved in hiring, supervision or personnel decisions and are willing to share their perspectives on employment practices and workforce needs, are invited to take a screening survey as a first step to joining an online, 90-minute focus group.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, will examine how workplace policies, attitudes and practices affect the employment experiences of justice-impacted individuals with disabilities (JIID) in New York state. 

JIID refers to individuals with disabilities who have had prior involvement with the criminal justice system, including arrest, incarceration, probation, parole and other forms of community supervision. The study is part of a three-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.

Findings from the study will be used to develop information and training resources for employers, workforce professionals and other stakeholders. These resources will help increase awareness of the labor market barriers faced by JIID and highlight the potential of JIID, an often-overlooked talent pool.

The qualification survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes and collects basic demographic and employment information.

Focus group topics will include organizational mission and workplace culture, inclusive hiring and retention practices, and workforce needs and opportunities.

For additional information, contact Jen Brooks, YTI research associate, at jb2362@cornell.edu.

About the Yang-Tan Institute

Providing practical information to policymakers, employers, educators and others who assist people with disabilities is a core focus for the Yang-Tan Institute, which is part of Cornell’s ILR School. The institute’s mission is to advance knowledge, policies and practices that enhance equal opportunities for all people with disabilities. Its research, training and technical resources expand knowledge about disability inclusion, leading to positive change.

The institute leads many grant-funded projects, including Employer Attitudes and Practices toward Hiring Justice-Impacted Individuals with Disabilities and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability. The institute also receives funding via a New York state legislative appropriation to assist with disability-related initiatives, and it offers a variety of professional education opportunities.