Watch Disabled Workers Still Struggle More with Unemployment on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
Unemployment among disabled persons in the U.S. is now at 67%. This means too many qualified people who could be working aren't, and we're all losing because of it. As companies like Walgreens, Proctor & Gamble and Lowe's all know well, hiring qualified people with disabilities to work in competitive jobs is good for business. Now Senator Tom Harkin and a group called the U.S. Business Leadership Network are calling on business leaders nationwide to step up and help change this reality. As Harkin eloquently states, "Work is a part of life. It gives you fulfillment. It gives you the independence, the economic self-sufficiency to have a more full life. No one wants to be shunted aside and sit and watch TV all day. People want to work. They want to be a part of the American experience. They want to contribute to society." I couldn't agree more. Now, what can we do about it? First, people with disabilities need to be trained effectively, starting in their teenage years. Just as we encourage typical youth to explore internships and "try out" different jobs to explore their interests and abilities, so should we be working as school districts, not-for-profit agencies and within our communities to create partnerships between youth with disabilities and potential places of employment. Secondly, as Senator Harkin urges us, we should adjust our attitudes about employment so that we see people's abilities and how they might contribute in a business environment, rather than simply first focusing on their disabilities and challenges. Lastly, we can make modifications and adaptations to some work place settings to accommodate people with disabilities -- small changes that could produce big benefits for both employer and employee long term. As the parent of a 16-year-old who talks constantly about his future career aspirations and life goals, it's important to me that our communities and society as a whole sees this challenge for what it is and seeks to improve the current situation. Our expectations of ourselves and the disabled people in our lives should be high. This may require creativity and a fresh perspective. Neither costs much and could really reap amazing rewards.
