“For Employers, By Employers” is the philosophy that has driven the development of WorkSource Wisconsin from the inception of the concept in 2004. The need for a comprehensive technical assistance resource to help employers to recruit, hire, and retain workers with disabilities was first identified through an employer needs assessment conducted in 2004. The needs assessment was completed as part of a Business to Business (B2B) initiative that included representatives from the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, The ADA Partnership, The University of Wisconsin-Stout, the Wisconsin Business Leadership Network, and other organizations from across the state.

The clear message that resulted from the employer needs assessment was that employers needed a single source of information and technical assistance designed to address the recruitment, hiring, and retention of workers with disabilities from the demand side, rather than from the perspective of the agencies or individuals.  To address this need, a group of private sector employer representatives was convened to help create WorkSource Wisconsin, a technical assistance resource “for employers, by employers”.  

The WorkSource Wisconsin Employer Advisory Group was active in all phases of the project including the selection of the name, the creation of a statewide employer survey to identify specific employer needs, the development of effective strategies to provide technical assistance, and the marketing of the resource. WorkSource Wisconsin is a work in progress and will continue to draw upon the expertise of employer representatives across the state to address the ever changing needs of the employment community.

We’re pleased you have taken the time to visit our site and welcome your reactions and input to strengthen the technical assistance and resources available through WorkSource Wisconsin.