A national corporate employment initiative for persons with severe disabilities: a 10-year perspective

The Jobs Plus project of the Pizza Hut corporation has implemented a national corporate employment initiative for persons with severe disabilities over the past 10 years. Since 1989, Pizza Hut has reported financial benefits of over $19 million in tax credits from its employment efforts for persons with disabilities. As a result of retention rates four to five times superior to those of non-disabled co-workers, Pizza Hut has saved over $8 million by reducing turnover. The economic benefit reported to the community was consequential. $12 million in local state, and federal taxes were paid by new workers who were hired by Pizza Hut. Taxpayers saved an additional $43 million in reduced SSI spending (i.e. welfare), and rehabilitation costs. Of the 14000 or more persons employed through the Jobs Plus initiative, 72.5% reported a primary disability of mental retardation. Hired into a wide variety of positions, these individuals realized an average 104% increase in wages. Advances in internal corporate motivation and benefits included tax credits, improved labor needs, lowered turnover rates, and improvements in ADA issues. The project had an impact on CEO leadership, human resources, and staff development in field operations. Not only did the corporation benefit, the local community shared in the benefits as well. There were improvements in community collaboration in the advocacy of supported employment and vocational rehabilitation. These improvements directly effected the corporate culture. Finally, and most importantly, the quality of life for individuals with disabilities has improved.