by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

Recognizing their rising numbers of employees who have children with special needs, companies are implementing programs to support them in a number of ways, including flexible hours, support meetings, and consultations with financial planners and other experts.  The efforts of these companies are receiving widespread attention.  Learn more here:

http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2008/12/28/bosses_responding_to_special_needs/ 

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_03/b4116058945406.htm

Large corporations like PepsiCo, Ernst & Young, and JPMorgan Chase already have extensive support programs in place for their employees who have children with special needs.  But programs like these are in the best interests of smaller businesses too.  It costs surprisingly little to implement these supports.   

With support programs in place, parents of children with special needs are able to stay in their jobs, work more hours, be more productive, and continue to develop their skills and experience in their job -- all of which are beneficial to the employer.  It's a win-win, and it's crucial in an age when retention of talent and expertise is key to the survival of businesses and companies in tough economic times.