Employment of People with Disabilities is an Important Part of a Healthy Economic Future

Submitted by: Stacy Kyle, Director, Pennsylvania Business Leadership Network, AHEDD

The majority of working-aged adults with disabilities are unemployed and living in poverty. As reflected in the Harris Survey, 2004:

• Only 35% of people with disabilities reported being employed full or part time, compared to 78% of those who do not have disabilities.
• Three times as many live in poverty with annual household incomes below $15,000 (26% vs. 9%).
• People with disabilities remain twice as likely to drop out of high school (21% versus 10%).

Self-reported occurrence of disability as reflected in the U.S. Census suggests a powerful correlation between aging and disability. This data reminds us that if we are not born with a disabling condition, we can eventually age into disability. This has profound implications for public policies and employment practices in respect to individuals with disabilities.

The largest federal disability programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have continued to grow. According to a GAO report ("Modernizing Federal Disability Policy", August 2007, GAO 07-934SP), during the decade from 1996 to 2006, the SSDI grew by 42% and SSI by 16%. Public assistance programs are important sources of support for working-age people with disabilities in the United States. While many SSA beneficiaries can not work, a significant number can become employed or return to work with the right mix of service and on-going support.

What are the reasons for this high unemployment?

While a lack of disability awareness amongst businesses has contributed to the low rate of employment for this part of our population, employers are not solely responsible. Other factors that have created disincentives for many people with disabilities include: society’s perception that "disability" means "inability"; the topic of employment not getting enough emphasis in the school system; a lack of awareness about the existence of specialized non-profit agencies providing employment assistance; and individual and family fears about the impact that work will have on one’s eligibility for government funded medical coverage and other subsidies.

What are some next steps for improving the employment situation for people with disabilities?

In many states, Business Leadership Networks (BLNs) have been developed to assist companies in learning how to expand their diversity recruiting efforts to include people with disabilities. BLN affiliates are business organizations headed by a lead employer who exemplifies best practices and shares experiences with other members within the state or region. BLN successes serve the workplace, marketplace, supplier chain and the economy. More info on BLNs and the efforts of companies is available at www.usbln.org.

These business-led networks outreach to their peers from a bottom-line perspective, not a charitable one. Savvy employers understand that inclusive recruitment procedures, accessible websites, in-house disability awareness training, participation in Disability Mentoring Days, and many other best practices can help them to become a COMPANY OF CHOICE. Such an image helps a business to define itself from competitors and create a reputation that allows that company to better attract talent, increase productivity, improve service to customers, and much more.

Another step that has been working to improve the employment situation for people with disabilities is The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA). This legislation has taken many steps to improve the employment services system for people with disabilities and make it possible for millions to consider employment.

The elements of this TWWIIA legislation include: a Medicaid Buy-In program for workers with disabilities; Extended Medicare Coverage; Medicaid Infrastructure Grants which are issued to states to assist with addressing the infrastructure issues for people with disabilities; and Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment which awards funds to states to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions for workers with potentially disabling health conditions, such as diabetes, HIV, and mental illness.

For more information on the PA Business Leadership Network (PA BLN) and the active ways that employers can get engaged in improving employment for people with disabilities, contact Stacy Kyle, PA BLN Director at stacy.kyle@blnofpa.org or 717-763-0968 ext. 115.

*If you know of a for-profit member involved with a community initiative or non-profit organization that is looking to gain a little extra exposure, please have them send a two-paragraph overview of the program and their level of participation to tmanco@greaterphilachamber.com.