Minnesota Earns Award for Accommodation Initiative
WASHINGTON – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development was honored with the prestigious William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award for its Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund initiative at the 2025 National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Winter Policy Forum in Washington, DC. This award, presented by NASWA’s Equal Opportunity Committee, recognizes a state demonstrating excellence and innovation in the area of equal opportunity.
The Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) supports Minnesota employers in creating accommodating workplaces for individuals with disabilities by reimbursing them for related expenses. Reimbursements of up to $30,000 annually ensure employers have the resources to make necessary accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Technical assistance, training and consultation are also provided at no cost to employers, equipping them with the tools to create sustainable practices.
Since its inception in 2023, the ERAF has approved 124 applications, reimbursing employers more than $800,000 and removing financial barriers to support these hiring and retention practices. Employers have expressed that the ERAF has helped retain valued employees and fostered workplace cultures where individuals feel supported.
“Minnesota’s successful implementation of its Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund is a replicable model for other states to follow,” NASWA President and CEO Scott B. Sanders said. “Positive employer feedback and measurable outcomes underscore the impact of this initiative.”
"Minnesotans with disabilities bring incredible value to businesses, but sometimes employers don't know how simple it can be to create an adaptable workplace,” said Evan Rowe, DEED Deputy Commissioner, Workforce Services and Transformation. “Through the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund, we're making these connections, helping Minnesota's employers and workers alike."
For more information, visit NASWA’s Winter Policy Forum and Equal Opportunity Committee webpages.
###
About the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov/deed): The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. DEED’s mission is to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone. For more information about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website.
