ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act

This bill, called the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act, pushes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to team up with the National Council on Disability to expand jobs and business opportunities for people with disabilities. The SBA must help people with disabilities start their own businesses, find jobs at small businesses, and assist small businesses with hiring and making their workplaces more accessible. The SBA also has to do outreach and education so people and employers know about these services.

Within two years of the law taking effect, the SBA must send Congress a report explaining what was done, what worked, how they could expand their technical abilities, and their plans to keep improving job opportunities for people with disabilities. No new money is authorized; the SBA must do this with existing funds.

Key points

• Who is affected: People with disabilities seeking work or self-employment, and small businesses looking to hire them.
• What changes: A formal agreement between the SBA and the National Council on Disability; targeted help, outreach, and a required progress report to Congress.
• When: The SBA’s report is due within two years after the law is enacted.