A Call To Focus On Finding Jobs For Those With Disabilities

(PBS)
July 25, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC– [Excerpt provided by Inclusion Daily Express] As the United States prepares to observe the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Thursday, it’s tempting to say, “hold the celebration.” That’s because for those with disabilities, the employment picture has, sadly, not improved since the ADA was signed into law 22 years ago.

In fact, during the recent recession, it deteriorated five times as badly as did employment for the rest of American workers. While the non-disability workforce shrank by about 2 percent, for people with disabilities, the number working fell by over 10 percent. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the picture has remained grim as the economy has begun its recovery: While 3 million new jobs were added to the able-bodied work force, workers with disabilities have seen their ranks shrink further.

The chief voice spreading the word about this depressing situation is Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, the chairman of the health, education, labor and pensions committee, and a long-time passionate advocate for those with disabilities.

Harkin has just released a report that calls on Congress, the president and his administration, private business and Americans everywhere to make finding jobs for people with disabilities a national priority. What sets the report apart is that it’s not limited to an assault on our guilty consciences.

Entire article:
A Call to Focus on Finding Jobs for Those with Disabilities
http://tinyurl.com/ide0725122a
Related:
Reports to the President Disability Employment Statistical Reports (U.S. Office of Personnel Management)
http://www.opm.gov/diversityandinclusion/reports/disability/index.aspx