As news wires report that unemployment rates dropped in more than half of U.S. states in October 2010, other financial news confirms growth in the American economy. While this growth may indicate good news to the nation's workers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released new figures about the financial plight of one of its more vulnerable work populations - the disabled. Fifty-four million Americans live with disabilities (or 21.4 percent of the American workforce); however, unemployment rates for this population are 14.8 percent. Following President Obama's July 2010 Executive Order bringing attention to this issue for disabled citizens, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) continues to press for greater inclusion for disabled workers in the American workplace.
Office of Disability Employment Policy Pushing for Inclusion in the Workforce
The ODEP, a division of the Department of Labor, was authorized by Congress in 2001 in recognition that people with disabilities should be fully integrated into the 21st Century workforce. Providing national leadership on disability employment policy, the ODEP helps develop programs and collect data relative to employment trends for people with disabilities.
For almost a decade, the ODEP initiatives have championed the mandates of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and helped improve public recognition of work issues that affect people with disabilities, such as with the designation of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The ODEP developed the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues, collaborates with the United States Business Leadership Network (USBLN) in publishing the Biz2Biz Newsletter, and has initiated programs for youth and self employment.
Helping disabled individuals gain access to employment has practical implications. Social Security Disability claims and applications increase during hard economic times. With Social Security being the federal government's largest program, representing nearly five percent of the nation's gross national product (GNP), curtailing claims and helping disabled workers become productive members of the workforce is a national priority.
Even people receiving SSDI or SSI can receive benefits and work - it is important to maximize those work opportunities for disabled workers to contribute to society and improve quality of life. A number of corporations and non-profits, such as Goodwill and Easter Seals, have programs geared toward training, recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities. As noted, the Social Security Administration provides work incentives, including the "Ticket to Work" program, which supports beneficiaries interested in vocational readiness and employment services.
Disabled workers have so much to offer the workplace. Perspective, skills, knowledge and drive aside, hiring people with disabilities is a sound business practice that benefits willing workers and the nation's economy.
