I have been following the Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly updates on employment for members of the workforce who have disabilities. These data have been available to the public since October 2008 and have helped confirm what has long been assumed or suspected- labor market participation for PwD is extremely low. Over the past year, active workforce participation hovers consistently around 22% and unemployment rates are currently an unacceptable 50% higher than those workers without disabilities.
Is this really the best we can do?
Unemployment levels for workers without disabilities has held steady around 9%, while for people with disabilities there have been wide fluctuations ranging as high as 17% to just under14%. Combine these dismal numbers with only 1 in 5 PwD working in either part of full time employment, and the conclusion is our country has a long way to go to reach meaningful workforce participation rates among US citizens identified as having conditions of disability.
The upcoming 20th anniversary of the passage of the American’s with Disabilities Act has many planned national celebrations recognizing the civil rights milestone achieved by people with disabilities in this country. It is right to take time to honor those who made this possible and the changes to our society that have resulted from its passage.
We should also take time to renew and direct our energies towards making substantive workforce development gains that improves the chronic un/underemployment of adults with disabilities. All citizens who are willing to work deserve the dignity and self-respect that comes with being a contributing member of society.
Making this ideal a reality will provide one more reason to celebrate future ADA anniversaries!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Keith Hosey, Rob Crawford. Rob Crawford said: Employment Update: What do the numbers mean for individuals with disabilities? – http://tinyurl.com/28ta5jr […]
May I ask what is the purpose of sending this out. Are you asking for help? Are you asking for clients? Are you providing a service to the DA community? Or is this just information.
Maybe I missed the message.
Thank you.
My purpose (also located in text box at top right corner of each blog post) is to provide information, research, and speculation on topical quality of life subjects for adults with disabilities- not selling anything but the importance of staying informed and connected. It is service to the community at large as I find not many sources or voices that speak to life-span issues for PwD. I am glad you were able to get the blog, and the help you lend to the cause of advocacy and civil rights equality for PwD in our local area through VCD makes us partners in common cause.