Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update – highlights initiatives supporting greater independence for people with disabilities
Durham, NH – Job numbers were up substantially for Americans with disabilities, an encouraging sign for those striving to work, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, we celebrate the many Americans with disabilities living independently in their communities, and the successful initiatives that support and sustain them.
Fundamental to advances in independent living is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law 29 years ago this month. The ADA, considered the “Emancipation Proclamation for People with Disabilities,” forever altered the American landscape by outlawing discrimination in all aspects of public life, including employment, schools, transportation, local government programs, and accessibility. More recent legislation supports independent living by providing a pathway to financial independence for people with disabilities – Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, known as the ABLE Act of 2014.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.5 percent in June 2018 to 31 percent in June 2019 (up 5.1 percent or 1.5 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 74.5 percent in June 2018 to 74.9 percent in June 2019 (up 0.5 percent or 0.4 percentage points).
“This extends the positive change we saw last month,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “Continuation of this upward movement would be a step toward greater independence for people with disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.5 percent in June 2018 to 33.9 percent in June 2019 (up 4.3 percent or 1.4 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 77.6 percent in June 2018 to 77.8 percent in June 2019 (up 0.3 percent or 0.2 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“These are great numbers compared to this time last year. We will see what happens in the next few months to see if there is a reversal of the recent downward trend for people with disabilities,” noted Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability.
For millions of Americans with disabilities and their families, having adequate income, health care, nutrition, and housing means relying on public benefits. Prior to the Able Act, eligibility for these essential benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, SNAP) meant limiting the assets of the individual to $2,000 in cash savings, retirement funds and other items of significant value.
In a tax-advantaged Able Savings Account, individuals with disability can accumulate substantial savings that can be used for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing their public benefits. The maximal annual contribution is $15,000, which can come from multiple sources; accounts max out at $100,000 for individuals with SSI insurance, with higher limits for other eligible people with disabilities. Qualified expenses may include education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services, health care expenses, financial management and administrative services, and other services that help improve health, independence, and quality of life.
More than 40 states now have Able Programs, and many programs are open to out-of-state residents. “The ABLE Act provides a way to help cover the costs of living with a disability,” said Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior VP of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation, “including costs related to working in the community. By significantly raising the asset limits, Able Programs enhance the ability of people with disabilities to achieve financial independence, and offer families an option for supplementing special needs trusts.” In June 2019, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,777,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 147,805,000 workers in the U.S.
Each nTIDE press release is followed by an nTIDE Lunch & Learn at 12:00 pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. On July 5, Lori Norris, director of the National Center for Innovation & System Improvement at FEDCAP, joined Dr. Houtenville, Dr. O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD. Visit the nTIDE archives at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
Job numbers up slightly for Americans with disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update – featuring ways to advance competitive integrated employment
Durham, NH – In contrast to recent months, job numbers improved slightly for Americans with disabilities, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). For people with disabilities, employment is key to achieving independence and fully participating in community life. Achieving these goals, however, requires incomes that support lifestyles in the community, which is why advancing competitive integrated employment is a component of several legislative initiatives on the national level.
Join our live nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today at 12:00 pm ET. Nicole Jorwic, JD, director of rights policy for The Arc, joins Andrew Houtenville, PhD, of University of New Hampshire, Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, of Kessler Foundation, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD, to discuss advancing competitive integrated employment for individuals living with disabilities. Join live or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.7 percent in May 2018 to 30.7 percent in May 2019 (up 3.4 percent or 1 percentage point). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 74.2 percent in May 2018 to 74.5 percent in May 2019 (up 0.4 percent or 0.3 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“This positive change is encouraging,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “We will have to wait and see whether this is the beginning of an upward trend in the labor market for people with disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.2 percent in May 2018 to 32.8 percent in May 2019 (up 1.9 percent or 0.6 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 76.8 percent in May 2018 to 77.1 percent in May 2019 (up 0.4 percent or 0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“When compared to last year at this time, the numbers are quite ‘flat’ for people with and without disabilities,” noted Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “The economy being at full employment does not appear to be continuing to open up opportunities for people with disabilities as it did early in the period of full employment.” In May 2019, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,752,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 146,894,000 workers in the U.S.
Competitive integrated employment, as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), is work compensated for at or above the minimum wage and performed in an integrated setting, with wages and benefits comparable to coworkers without disabilities. Federal policies are changing the employment landscape as states commit to limiting the use of sub-minimum wage under Section 14(c), and transitioning individuals with disabilities from sheltered workshops to competitive integrated employment. Despite the implementation of policies such as WIOA and ongoing legislative efforts, challenges remain to widespread adoption of competitive integrated employment.
Until June 14, interested parties have the opportunity to provide feedback to the U.S. Department of Labor on the issue of competitive integrated employment. This is the final phase of a national conversation on the phasing out of Section 14(c), and support for building capacity for competitive integrated employment. “At Kessler Foundation, we focus our grantmaking on innovative initiatives based on competitive integrated employment,” said Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior vice president for Grants and Communications at the Foundation. “We encourage all members of the disability community – individuals, family members, employers, advocates, and other professionals – to join this online listening session. Sharing your thoughts and experiences, as well as your hopes for the future, will reinforce the importance of fair and equitable employment in reaching our ultimate goal of full integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of our society.”
“In spite of the labor market’s continuing strength that has created a sustained need for workers, people with disabilities are not seeing more benefits,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “Let’s hope that for the remainder of 2019 that we return to the 2016-2018 pattern of steady improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased slightly from 33.6 percent in April 2018 to 33.3 percent in April 2019 (down 0.9 percent or 0.3 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate increased slightly from 76.6 percent in April 2018 to 76.8 percent in April 2019 (up 0.3 percent or 0.2 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“As full employment continues, it is surprising that the positive trends for people with disabilities that we saw in 2016-2018 are not also continuing,” noted Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “This pattern suggests that the jobs available when we reached full employment a couple of years ago may have been better matches for people with disabilities than jobs that are becoming available today.”
The continuing strength of the labor market has created a sustained need for workers in many sectors of the economy. Given the unmet needs, the economic climate is more favorable to populations that are traditionally bypassed by businesses, including jobseekers with disabilities. The Disability Equality Index helps companies audit their human resource policies, and identify where they can maximize
Companies can improve the outcomes of their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain individuals with disabilities in a number of ways, according to the 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives. More than 6,000 supervisors provided information about the employer practices, how effective these are for employees with and without disabilities, and which practices are effective, but underutilized for individuals with disabilities. Companies can boost inclusion by making their practices more effective for employees with disabilities, and by adopting effective, but underutilized practices.
“Broader implementation of effective practices could expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” noted Dr. O’Neill, a survey co-author, “but overall, the survey revealed that the key factor in disability inclusion was the commitment of upper management to the success of supervisors and employees.” Visit www.KesslerFoundation.org/kfsurvey17 for detailed survey information.
In April 2019, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,771,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.3 percent of the total 146,645,000 workers in the U.S.
Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, May 3, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN, joins Dr. Houtenville, Dr. O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD. Join live or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). nTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (9ORT5022 and 90RT5017) and Kessler Foundation.
Economic indicators again show slight declines for Americans with disabilities
This nTIDE release, the third in a series focusing on employment and the media, features programs based on the power of storytelling. The creative arts and media provide effective means of artistic expression for people with disabilities as well as sources for job training and employment. Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, April 5, at 12:00 pm Eastern.
In the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 31.7 percent in March 2018 to 31.1 percent in March 2019 (down 1.9 percent or 0.6 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 73.6 percent in March 2018 to 74.2 percent in March 2019 (up 0.8 percent or 0.6 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“The lack of improvement in the economic indicators is disappointing,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “We hope that this is not a return to what we saw during the last half of 2015 where there were persistent declines in the employment-to-population ratio.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 34.8 percent in March 2018 to 34.2 percent in March 2019 (down 1.7 percent or 0.6 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 76.7 percent in March 2018 to 77.2 percent in March 2019 (up 0.7 percent or 0.5 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“During this tight labor market, the engagement of people with disabilities had improved, with really great numbers since late 2016. However, it appears that this trend in engagement has begun to taper off,” noted Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability.
Two organizations that promote awareness and advocacy through storytelling are Rooted in Rights, a video and social media advocacy program based in Seattle, WA, and ReelAbilities, an annual festival of films about disability founded at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan in New York City that is expanding internationally. These creative outlets enable artists, writers, and advocates to engage the larger community in the issues of importance to the disability community.
Through the art and business of filmmaking, advocates are raising awareness of disability and the important issues affecting the disability community. By harnessing the power of storytelling, Rooted in Rights reframes the traditional narratives about disability, mental illness, and chronic illness. A program of Disability Rights Washington, Rooted in Rights exemplifies the motto of the disability community, “Nothing about Us without Us.” All aspects of storytelling and video production are handled by professionals with disabilities. To effect change in the disability community, Rooted in Rights provides training in video advocacy, hosts a blog that showcases writers with disabilities, and partners with local coalitions and national advocacy campaigns to produce visual media based on authentic, accessible stories. Learn more about Rooted in Rights: https://rootedinrights.org/
This spring marks the 11th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, a weeklong city-wide festival devoted to films and performances that explore the lives of people with disabilities, and celebrate their varied artistic expressions. The festival, the largest of its kind in the U.S., selects its films from hundreds of international submissions each year. ReelAbilities: New York now shares its programming with ReelAbilities festivals in 20 other cities, as well as in Canada and Latin America. ReelAbilities prioritizes accessible venues and strives for the full participation of festival goers with mobility, visual, and hearing impairments. Learn more about ReelAbilities: https://reelabilities.org/.
Visit the nTIDE archives to learn about these programs that promote employment in media and entertainment – Lights Camera Access 2.0 presented by Tari Hartman Squire, and Inclusion Films by Joey Travolta https://researchondisability.org/home/ntide.
In March 2019, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,873,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.3 percent of the total 146,333,000 workers in the U.S.
We have some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Many companies may merely not want to “deal with” providing the accommodations necessary for workers with disabilities to function. The fact is that usually, instead of hiring workers with disabilities and failing to provide the appropriate adjustments, many companies just opt not to hire them at all.
Thankfully, this dismissive culture may be changing. That, in and of itself, is good. Representation does matter, and it is better than not being represented. However, companies often drive cultural shifts, just like media representation. Unfortunately, this is to say very little about the material reality of the marginalization of workers with disabilities on the whole.
An article in Forbes explains how disability inclusion is just as important as any social justice issue. New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli wants to help lead the way on this attempted cultural shift.
“From pushing corporations on labor rights, on the need for there to be more women on corporate boards, on LGBTQ non-discrimination, on the environment and climate change, on executive compensation, on disclosure of corporate political spending, New York will have the most robust corporate engagement initiatives of any state fund, adding, “We are starting 2019 with a new effort to press corporate America to have clear policies on disability inclusion,” DiNapoli said.
Essentially, the article says, the importance of disability inclusion is becoming mainstream. Corporate social responsibility has long been a crucial element of how a company operates. According to the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, corporate social responsibility refers to the need for businesses to be “good corporate citizens.”
Initiatives such as these may do some good. They attract attention to inequality. They attract attention to social injustice. They try to remind consumers that it’s important to consider the needs of all, no matter their gender, age, race, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or disability status. These large companies donate to charities and other philanthropic efforts. They have foundations. They have pet issues. They make commercials pledging their support to this or that marginalized community They, companies, care. Ultimately, these companies care about how much money people with disabilities can make them.
The talent management and human resources company TLNT explained in a blog the money-making potential of the 38 million Americans with disabilities over the age of 16.
In reviving a Costco employee’s lawsuit, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled for the first time that a hostile work environment claim can be made under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Fox v. Costco Wholesale Corp., No. 17-0936-cv (2nd Cir. March 6, 2019)).
The court was considering an appeal from Christopher Fox, an individual with Tourette’s syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He had sued Costco, alleging that he was mocked by co-workers and that managers knew about the harassment and sometimes participated. A lower court dismissed his claims but, on appeal, the 2nd Circuit said Fox had produced enough evidence to send the case to a jury to determine “whether the frequency and severity of the mockery rose to the level of an objectively hostile work environment.”
In reaching its conclusion, the 2nd Circuit for the first time joined several other circuits in holding that the ADA contemplates hostile work environment claims. The court said that “because the ADA echoes and expressly refers to Title VII, and because the two statutes have the same purpose — the prohibition of illegal discrimination in employment — it follows that disabled Americans should be able to assert hostile work environment claims under the ADA, as can those protected by Title VII.”
Dive Insight:
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on a number of characteristics, including disability, and that behavior can become unlawful when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider hostile or abusive. Petty slights, annoyances and isolated incidents generally will not rise to that level, according to agency guidance.
In this instance, the court noted that legitimate reprimands did not support Fox’s hostile work environment claims. “Legitimate reprimands by an employer are not abuse,” the 2nd Circuit said, nor were the disciplinary actions taken against the plaintiff in response to Costco members complaints. The alleged mocking, however, may ultimately meet that standard.
Notably, a plaintiff is not required to prove a “hellish” workplace to establish a hostile work environment, the 7th Circuit ruled last month in a case involving allegations that a supervisor used a racial slur against an employee. The court said a supervisor’s use of racially toxic language in the workplace (three slurs over a six-month period during a four-year employment) is much more serious than a co-workers.
The 7th Circuit also upheld a ruling for a former Costco employee who brought a hostile work environment claim, finding that harassment need not be “overtly sexual” to create a hostile work environment under Title VII. In that case, a male customer allegedly stalked, videotaped, touched and subjected the woman to various personal questions and comments. And the 4th Circuit recently found that a false rumor that a female employee slept with her male boss to obtain a promotion could rise to that level as well.
For employers that want to be proactive in preventing and addressing hostile workplace claims, HR can put into place a variety of strategies. Experts generally suggest that HR implement anti-harassment training for both employees and managers, adopt robust reporting mechanisms and obtain visible buy-in from senior leadership to correct culture failings
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Job numbers showed slight declines for Americans with disabilities, while the numbers improved for Americans without disabilities, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). The minimal declines in the economic indicators may be consistent with the leveling off of gains for this population seen over the last year.
The Hollywood awards season has spotlighted the disparities in hiring in the entertainment industry. Programs such as Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films are helping people with disabilities take advantage of the broad range of opportunities in creative and technical jobs. Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, March 8, at 12:00 pm Eastern.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 30.5 percent in February 2018 to 30 percent in February 2019 (down 1.6 percent or 0.5 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 73.5 percent in February 2018 to 74.1 percent in February 2019 (up 0.8 percent or 0.6 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).“The employment indicators for people with disabilities in February declined slightly compared to last year at this time,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “In addition, the 25-month upward trend in the employment-to-population ratio seen between February 2016 and March 2018 has been leveling off over the last year.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 33.6 percent in February 2018 to 33.3 percent in February 2019 (down 0.9 percent or 0.3 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate increased from 76.8 percent in February 2018 to 77.1 percent in February 2019 (up 0.4 percent or 0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“After some really great numbers for people with disabilities in 2017 and 2018, there appears to be a slowdown in the degree to which people with disabilities are engaging in the labor market,” noted Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “We will be keeping a careful eye on these data in the coming months.”
To take advantage of the many opportunities for employment in the creative arts, people with disabilities need orientation to potential careers, hands-on experiences to explore their talents, and the social skills needed for collaborative projects. Inclusion Films, based in California, offers film-making camps and workshops that foster creative development and reinforce social and vocational skills for teens and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities. In addition to five production studios in California, Inclusion Film’s popular programs are hosted by nonprofit organizations in cities around the country.
Inclusion Films was founded in 2007 by Joey Travolta, the actor, producer, director and screenwriter. Motivated by his positive experiences working with youth with disabilities, Travolta dedicates his efforts to expanding their opportunities for fulfilling employment in the entertainment industry. Inclusion Films’ production team provides custom video services for clients that include Easter Seals, NBA Cares, the Phoenix Suns, and the Bentonville Film Festival. These projects are incorporated into the camps and workshop curricula to provide students with real work experience and industry connections.
A crew of 70% individuals with developmental disabilities recently produced Inclusion Films’ first feature-length film, “Carol of The Bells,” starring RJ Mitte from the AMC hit series, “Breaking Bad. “The film tells the story of a young man who searches for his birth mother, and finds that she has developmental disabilities. Inclusion Films offers training in all aspects of filmmaking — from script writing to technical editing — to meet the growing need for talent by the entertainment industry. The instructors are cinematographers, set designers, actors, and other working professionals. In Travolta’s experience, the students actively join in the creative process, and are adept at learning the technology required for editing as well as for developing creative content.
“A capable workforce is being left untapped,” Travolta asserted. “Our students are dedicated, dependable, and bring a different perspective to problem solving. They are a good fit for many of the skilled jobs in film-making and related fields. As for employers, hiring people with disabilities is easier than ever, and businesses can take advantage of on-site support and training for transitioning new hires, at little to no cost. All that is needed is leadership at the top, an open-minded team, and a commitment to diversity that includes people with disabilities.”
In February 2019, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,649,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 145,917,000 workers in the U.S.
Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, March 8, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. Joey Travolta, founder of Inclusion Films, joins Dr. Houtenville, Dr. O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD, to discuss successful programs for expanding job opportunities in media and entertainment. Join live or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
Walmart’s greeter position has long been an opportunity for people who can’t stand for long periods or lift heavy weights, but recently the retail chain announced that it would be phasing out those jobs and replacing them with “customer hosts” who have to be able to lift 25 pounds, clean spills, and in some cases climb ladders. That was a major blow to many of the people for whom those greeter jobs have been a lifeline. “I don’t want to lose this job. This is a real job I have,” one man told National Public Radio, saying that his biggest concern was being able to feed his rescue dog.
Former greeters in multiple states have filed Equal Opportunity Employment Commission complaints or lawsuits against Walmart after their jobs were eliminated or changed to jobs that require standing, climbing, or lifting. After the recent outcry, Walmart announced that it would give greeters extra time to find replacement jobs they could do, and then, when that failed to quell the outrage, came the “make every effort” memo. “We are looking into each [case] on an individual basis with the goal of offering appropriate accommodations that will enable these associates to continue in other roles with their store,” CEO Greg Foran wrote. One man in North Carolina, for instance, is being transferred to self-checkout.
But don’t assume this issue is settled because Walmart said it would “make every effort” to keep the greeters employed in its stores. That’s not a promise of anything but doing enough to make the issue fade from the headlines.
Walmart Employees With Special Needs Fear Losing Jobs
by Eric Scicchitano and Francis Scarcella, The Daily Item/TNS | February 26, 2019
As retail giant Walmart moves away from “people greeters” in favor of “customer hosts” at the front of its stores, some employees with disabilities are finding themselves out of a job. (Shutterstock)
SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Adam Catlin celebrated his 10th year as a greeter at Walmart’s Selinsgrove Supercenter in December.
Now, he fears he’s about to lose his job because of his disability.
A change in job duties at the front door calls for “people greeters” to give way to “customer hosts,” taking on tasks that Catlin said his disability won’t allow.
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“It was a little bit of a shock. They just told me on Saturday. They called me into the manager’s office and said the job code was changing. They said I would have to lift 25 pounds, be able to walk a lot, extensive standing,” said Catlin, 30, of Middleburg, in an interview last week. Catlin said he was told a decision on his employment would be made by April 26.
“I can’t lift 25 pounds and hang onto a walker. I need to be able to walk,” he said.
Cerebral palsy restricts strength and range of motion. Catlin relies on a walker to hold himself upright and walk. A commando crawl is often his only way in and out of tight spaces. Though he’s able with some help to perform specific weight lifts, like the bench press, holding a cup or utensils or even shaking hands challenge his fine motor skills.
Catlin said he could receive disability benefits but prefers to work. He said he averages 32 hours weekly at the only job he’s ever worked. He arrives 30 minutes early for his shifts, he said, and doesn’t have any demerits for accountability or performance. He said his main responsibility is to greet customers as they come and go.
Grasping a pen, creating documents on a computer, reaching overhead, bending at the waist, carrying merchandise up to 25 pounds — all are among physical activities a “customer host” will be called upon to do. Catlin said he is not capable of any of them.
He isn’t alone.
There are similar accounts from East Stroudsburg as well as New York and Ohio where employees with cerebral palsy — one of whom had 21 years at the store — ended up out of a job when the stores moved away from greeter positions. A corporate blog post says greeters can apply for the new jobs or other positions or accept severance pay.
In January, the company won a judgment against a 19-year employee with cerebral palsy in New York who filed a discrimination claim for his dismissal from his job as a lawn and garden associate.
Money isn’t an issue, Catlin said. Having a job is a point of pride.
Word spread fast on social media that the greeter with a wide smile could soon be gone from the store, drawing thousands of angry responses. He said he was approached throughout a recent six-hour shift by people offering their support.
“I didn’t know what to say. I asked them for help. (The manager) said he didn’t know what to tell me,” Catlin said.
Store management declined to comment, referring reporters to corporate headquarters.
The timing of the matter hasn’t helped Catlin and his family. A sister, Ashley Catlin, died suddenly on Dec. 30. His father fell ill, too, and was hospitalized last week. At their sister’s viewing, Catlin asked how soon he could get back to work. He saw it as a way to escape grieving and achieve a sense of normalcy.
“I think it’s ridiculous. He’s dedicated so much of his life to Walmart,” a sister, Amber Piermattei, said. “Even if he doesn’t get his job back, it’s important we’re raising awareness about this.”
Kory Lundberg, a corporate spokesman for Walmart, said the transition to customer host positions began in 2016 and has since expanded to more than 1,000 stores. It adds more responsibility and more pay to the position of greeter, he said.
Lundberg said store management did consult Catlin on applying for the new job or other positions in store.
“As we have done in other locations where we’ve added Customer Hosts, our management team will continue to support our associates as they consider other open positions in the store and those in nearby locations,” Lundberg said.
A photo collage of Catlin winning a gold medal at a national Special Olympics competition still hung last week inside the store by the customer service area.
Brian Habermehl works for The Arc, Susquehanna Valley, leading its self-advocate groups in programming designed to help people with disabilities or special needs become self-reliant. He also has cerebral palsy.
Asked what kind of message Walmart is sending, Habermehl said “the wrong one.”
“Adam is an accomplished athlete, a ray of sunshine. Walmart themselves have a picture of him hung at their store by the registers,” Habermehl said.
Catlin holds out hope that he can retain the job he loves.
“I love everyone there and they are all part of my family and I would really miss that,” Catlin said.
Durham, NH – Economic indicators for Americans with disabilities were flat in January, while those for people without disabilities increased , according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). During “awards season” national attention focuses on the entertainment industry, and a hot topic is the under representation of diversity, including the largest minority group – the 20% of Americans with disabilities.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased slightly from 29.9 percent in January 2018 to 29.8 percent in January 2019 (down 0.3 percent or 0.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 72.7 percent in January 2018 to 73.6 percent in January 2019 (up 1.2 percent or 0.9 percentage points).
The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100). In January 2019, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,543,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.1 percent of the total 145,066,000 workers in the U.S.
“While the lack of increase is disappointing, the significance of this flattening of the economic indicators in January remains to be seen,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “In 2019 let’s hope we return to the pattern we saw from February 2016 until May 2018 where there was steady improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities was 33 percent in January 2018 and remained at the same level (33 percent) in January 2019. For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate increased from 76.1 percent in Jan. 2018 to 76.9 percent in January 2019 (up 1.1 percent or 0.8 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
Efforts are underway to promote the hiring of people with disabilities for the broad range of careers in media − creative and technical, in front of the camera and behind the scenes – opportunities that are often out of reach for people with disabilities. Leading efforts to boost employment in the industry is Tari Hartman Squire, CEO of EIN SOF Communications, a strategic marketing firm specializing in disability employment and the media. “Here we are, 28 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act and 38 years after disability was included in the Affirmative Action and Non-Discrimination clause of the SAG Collective Bargaining Agreements, and we are still advocating for performers with disabilities to audition for any roles,” said Hartman Squire. “Even for roles for characters with disability, too often performers with disabilities are not auditioned. We are making progress by promoting awareness that people with disabilities are interested in media and popular culture, and have talent to offer the industry,” she emphasized.
Hartman Squire is a co-founder of Lights! Camera! Access 2.0 (LCA 2.0), a collaborative that connects aspiring filmmakers and professionals with disabilities. Regional Career Exploration Summits are the cornerstone of LCA 2.0, connecting employers in television, film, theater, advertising, broadcast, and print and digital media with jobseekers with creative talents. Held in major US cities, Summit workshops feature networking, self-disclosure, how to leverage your disability to sharpen your competitive edge, and opportunities for resume review, speed interviewing, flash mentoring, and networking.
LCA 2.0 receives collaborative support from EIN SOF and LCA 2.0 co-founder, the Loreen Arbus Foundation, as well as the National Disability Mentoring Coalition, PolicyWorks, Deaf Film Camp, and numerous agencies, corporations and disability organizations, including Kessler Foundation, CBS, BBDO, NY Women in Film & Television, ReelAbilities Film Festival, Ruderman Family Foundation and the Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy and Innovation, to name a few.
Why focus efforts on such a competitive industry? “Diversification of the media industry is an important path toward putting old stereotypes to rest,” responded Hartman Squire, “while underscoring the tremendous capabilities of people with disabilities, and highlighting their valuable contributions to the creative arts.”
Upcoming LCA 2.0 Summits will be held in Hollywood on February 20 (application deadline February 8 — https://bit.ly/2RJT3WI), New York City on April 3, 2019, in conjunction with ReelAbilities Film Festival NY, and in Silicon Valley on May 17, 2019, hosted by the Computer History Museum, Disability Media Technology Alliance and the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce.
Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, February 1, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events., Tari Hartman Squire from EIN SOF Communications, and Alec Frazier from Autistic Reality, join Dr. Brucker, Dr. O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD, to discuss employment opportunities in media and entertainment. Join live or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
“Followers of nTIDE will be interested in the upcoming Employment Policy and Measurement State of the Science conference on February 12, 2019, presented by the University of New Hampshire, Kessler Foundation, and their partners,” noted Debra Brucker, PhD, research assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire. “While the event will be held in Washington, D.C., both in-person and online participation options are available. Registration is free. For more information, please see this link: https://researchondisability.org/2018reg.”
NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). nTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (9ORT5022 and 90RT5017) and Kessler Foundation.
nTIDE December 2018 Jobs Report: Outlook remains optimistic despite dip in job numbers for Americans with disabilities
by Anna Brennan-Curry | Jan 04, 2019
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Economic indicators for Americans with disabilities dipped in December, in contrast to the gains seen for people without disabilities, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). Employment experts remain optimistic for growth in 2019 given the overall upward pattern in 2018.
To ensure that individuals striving to work are supported by best practices, international fellowship programs are offering professionals training and experience that ensure their inclusion in all aspects of society, including the workplace.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 30.8 percent in December 2017 to 30.4 percent in December 2018 (down 1.3 percent or 0.4 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 73.3 percent in December 2017 to 74.1 percent in December 2018 (up 1.1 percent or 0.8 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“From February 2016 until May 2018, we saw steady improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “However, over the past seven months, we have seen both improvements and declines in the employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate for people with disabilities. This fluctuating data pattern is disappointing because this tight labor market should be producing steady employment gains see for Americans with disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 33.8 percent in December 2017 to 33.3 percent in December 2018 (down 1.5 percent or 0.5 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate increased from 76.1 percent in December 2017 to 76.9 percent in December 2018 (up 1.1 percent or 0.8 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“This was only the third month in 2018 that we didn’t see improvement in the job numbers for people with disabilities,” noted Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “Three months of declines over the entire year does not constitute a trend, given that the economy continues to show signs of strength. We will be watching this closely in the New Year.”
Preparing people with disabilities for their working lives requires many different kinds of professional support, from medical care and rehabilitation to education and workforce development. Fundamental to achieving employment goals is attaining maximal functional independence, according to John DeLuca, PhD, senior vice president for Research and Training at Kessler Foundation. “There’s a global need for trained scientists who can conduct rigorous clinical studies in rehabilitation research,” he emphasized. “Kessler’s Postdoctoral Training Program attracts dedicated young professionals from the U.S. and abroad. More than 40 scientists have learned the skills and methodology needed to conduct research that improves the everyday lives of people with various neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and injuries to the brain and spinal cord. Training opportunities, which receive funding from federal and state grants, professional societies, and foundations, draw from the Foundation’s expertise in human performance and engineering, cognitive neuroscience, and employment and disability.”
Training specific to employment is the focus of the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment (PFP-IDE), which serves professionals in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Each year, 20 mid-level professionals rotate through the intensive U.S.-based program. The PFP-IDE is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is implemented by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) in partnership with the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Humanity and Inclusion (HI). “The fellows are hosted in university-based research and education centers for disabilities,” explained Sarah DeMaio, MSW, the project’s director.
“The hands-on mentoring and learning opportunities they experience equip them to plan and implement projects in their home countries that are based on best practices that address the challenging vocational needs of persons with disabilities. PFP-IDE fellows have become leaders who are transforming the systems of support for people with disabilities at the community, national, and regional levels in East Africa.”
In December 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,699,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 146,531,000 workers in the U.S.
Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, January 4, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. Sarah DeMaio, MSW, AUCD Program Manager and project director of the PFP-IDE, joins Dr. Houtenville, Dr. O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD, to discuss outcomes being acheived in East Africa. Join live, or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). nTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (9ORT5022 and 90RT5017) and Kessler Foundation.
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes — including employment — for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.KesslerFoundation.org.
nTIDE November 2018 Jobs Report: Modest Increases Indicate Ongoing Job Growth for Americans with Disabilities
by Anna Brennan-Curry | Dec 07, 2018
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Americans with disabilities saw modest job gains in November, indicating the continuation of an upward trend, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). These gains extend the upward trend that resumed in August 2018, following a brief downturn.
On December 3, during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations, a minute of silence honored President George H. W. Bush, who died on November 30. In 1990, Bush proudly signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), calling it “the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.” Almost three decades later, the ADA continues to ensure fair and just access to community life and the workplace for individuals with disabilities.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, December 7, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased slightly from 30.0 percent in November 2017 to 30.7 percent in November 2018 (up 2.3 percent or 0.7 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased slightly from 73.6 percent in November 2017 to 74.3 percent in November 2018 (up 1 percent or 0.7 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“These November data continue the upward trend in economic indicators for people with disabilities,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “The continued strength in the labor market is producing higher demand for workers, including jobseekers with disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased slightly from 33.1 percent in November 2017 to 33.5 percent in November 2018 (up 1.2 percent or 0.4 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased slightly from 76.5 percent in November 2017 to 76.9 percent in November 2018 (up 0.5 percent or 0.4 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“These are pretty modest gains for both people with and without disabilities,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics and research director of the UNH-IOD. “While it is good to see the continued increase in the employment and participation of people with disabilities, there is still a long way to go toward closing the gap between people with and without disabilities,” he emphasized.
At the signing of the ADA, President Bush addressed the potential benefits for American business. Advances in civil rights and accessibility meant that individuals with disabilities would be better positioned to contribute to the workforce, providing a new source of workers. “Today, we know that the majority of Americans with disabilities are striving to work,” remarked Dr. O’Neill, “and that many are succeeding in overcoming obstacles to finding and maintaining work by getting further education or necessary training, and finding solutions to transportation issues.” Jobseekers with disabilities find some barriers more difficult to overcome, however, according to the 2015 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey. They cite a major barrier to be employers’ underestimation of their ability to do the job.
In 1990, President Bush told employers that jobseekers with disabilities had “only one request: the chance to prove themselves.” Given that opportunity, they “would move proudly into the mainstream of American life.” The spotlight on the Bush legacy provides the opportunity to focus efforts on the persistent barriers to greater participation in the workplace. “President Bush understood that hiring people with disabilities benefits employers and our economy, as well as the individuals who gain greater independence,” noted Dr. O’Neill. “When more employers recognize that they can rely on employees with disabilities, more jobseekers with disabilities will effectively compete for jobs. Let’s encourage employers across the nation to raise their expectations and honor his memory by hiring people with disabilities, thus providing opportunities for them to succeed.”
In November 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,726,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 146,968,000 workers in the U.S. The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, January 4, 2019.
Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, December 7, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. Maria Kukla, PhD, HSPP, research scientist and clinical psychologist from Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI), joins Dr. Houtenville, Dr. O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, Policy Strategist at AUCD, to discuss the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for employment success. Join live, or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
nTIDE October 2018 Jobs Report: Rise in Indicators Extends Positive Trend for Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – The key economic indicators for Americans with disabilities continued to rise, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). More than 50 million people in the U.S. have disabilities, comprising the nation’s largest minority. As Veterans Day approaches, we focus attention on this group and its unique challenges to finding employment. Through vocational rehabilitation research, new approaches are being developed to help veterans with disabilities contribute their talent and experience to our communities and the greater economy by re-establishing themselves in the workplace.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, November 2, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 30.5 percent in October 2017 to 31.4 percent in October 2018 (up 3 percent or 0.9 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 73.7 percent in October 2017 to 74.3 percent in October 2018 (up 0.8 percent or 0.6 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“The increases in these indicators are encouraging signs for Americans with disabilities,” said Debra Brucker, PhD, research assistant professor at the UNH Institute on Disability. “It’s important to note, however, that large gaps remain between the employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rates for persons with and without disabilities,” she emphasized.
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 33.3 percent in October 2017 to 34.2 percent in October 2018 (up 2.7 percent or 0.9 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 76.6 percent in October 2017 to 76.9 percent in October 2018 (up 0.4 percent or 0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“The October data continues the upward trend in economic indicators we saw over the past two months,” said John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This continued upturn may indicate that the strong labor market, which is producing high demand for workers, is also creating labor force benefits for people with disabilities.”
To raise employment among veterans with disabilities, researchers are seeking to learn from the cohort that has successfully reintegrated into the workforce. “We know that the majority of people with disabilities, including veterans, are striving to work, and some are achieving success,” said Dr. O’Neill, referring to the findings of the 2015 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey. “Understanding those successes will help us develop interventions that help others reach their employment goals,” he noted.
Dr. O’Neill is principal investigator of a new study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense that aims to identify the factors associated with success among veterans with disabilities caused by spinal cord injury. Researchers at Kessler Foundation are collaborating with their counterparts at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. “We plan to compare the employment experiences for veterans with spinal cord injury treated in the VA system with those followed through a civilian system – the Spinal Cord Injury Model System,” said Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD, an expert in veteran employment and disability and leader of the Tampa team.
To capture the perspective of the veterans and the details of their experiences, the study includes interviews, surveys and focus groups. In addition to employment-related information, investigators will collect information on health, environmental factors and personal factors. Dr. Ottomanelli concluded: “Learning from the employment experiences of our veterans with disabilities is essential to attaining our goal – to formulate action plans for implementing evidence-based vocational interventions that are effective in the VA and civilian settings.”
In October 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,824,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.3 percent of the total 147,027,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, December 7, 2018.
Governor Murphy Takes Action on Legislation
TRENTON – Today, Governor Murphy signed the following resolution into law:
SJR96 (Singleton, Cruz-Perez/Vainieri Huttle, DeAngelo, Chiaravalloti) – Designates October of each year as “Disability Employment Awareness Month.”
“I commend the Legislature for recognizing the many unfair obstacles that individuals with disabilities face when looking for work and on the job,” said Governor Murphy. “One’s mental or physical ability should never foreclose an opportunity. In New Jersey, we will continue our efforts to ensure that this State is an inclusive and accessible place, providing necessary tools and support so that everyone is given the chance for employment.”
nTIDE September 2018 Jobs Report: Promising Job Gains for Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly UpdateDurham, NH – The key economic indicators for Americans with disabilities resumed their upward trend, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD).
Each October, the US Department of Labor celebrates the contributions of Americans with disabilities to the labor force that drives our nation’s economy. The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2018 is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.” Fostering empowerment requires environments that are truly inclusive. Applying the concept of universal design to buildings and transportation systems has improved inclusivity in the workplace. Expanding this concept beyond the bounds of infrastructure to encompass workplace processes and procedures will expand how inclusion is defined, and empower greater numbers of people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, October 5, , the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 30.4 percent in September 2017 to 31.4 percent in September 2018 (up 3.3 percent or 1 percentage point). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 73.8 percent in September 2017 to 74.0 percent in September 2018 (up 0.3 percent or 0.2 percentage points).
The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
In addition, the labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 33.1 percent in September 2017 to 34.1 percent in September 2018 (up 3.0 percent or 1 percentage point). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also decreased from 76.9 percent in September 2017 to 76.6 percent in September 2018 (down 0.4 percent or 0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“September data continues the uptick in economic indicators that we saw last month,” said Debra Brucker, PhD, research assistant professor at the UNH Institute on Disability. “A few more months of good news will reestablish the strong positive trend we saw from February 2016 to May 2018, where there was continuous improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities,” she noted.
Incorporating the principles of universal design in plans for office buildings, terminals, hotels, stadiums, and other facilities, promotes integration and inclusion for people with disabilities. “To improve inclusivity, universal design can and should be defined in a much broader way, to include ‘soft’ as well as ‘hard’ elements,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “Workplace processes and practices are ‘soft’ elements that can be designed to be equally effective for people with and without disabilities,” he explained.
Multiple examples of the use of “soft” universal design were evident from the 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives, the first survey to look at the effectiveness of workplace practices from the perspective of supervisors of employees with and without disabilities. “Many organizations, for example, have onboarding and accommodation strategies, such as job shadowing, short-term outside assistance, flexible work schedules, and working from home, that are provided to all employees,” noted Dr. O’Neill. “Supervisors reported that many of these processes and practices, which promote retention and productivity, were as effective for employees with and without disabilities.”
From the survey, it was apparent that opportunities exist to expand the concept of universal design to these ‘soft’ elements of the workplace. “Conceptualizing universal design in this much broader context eases the integration of people of all abilities into all types of workplaces. Participating in a truly inclusive environment empowers all workers, including individuals with disabilities, to achieve their employment goals,” added Dr. Brucker.
In September 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,864,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.3 percent of the total 146,258,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, November 2, 2018.
nTIDE August 2018 Jobs Report: Return to Positive Trend for Employment of Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire Release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – September 7, 2018. the employment of Americans with disabilities returned to a positive trend after two down months, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). This reversal may reestablish the extended upward trend in their job numbers that began in early 2016.
For jobseekers with disabilities, transitioning to competitive employment often raises concerns about the potential loss of essential healthcare benefits. Federal and state agencies support programs that help people with disabilities who choose work to maintain their eligibility for Medicaid coverage as their income level rises.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, August 3, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.5 percent in August 2017 to 30.2 percent in August 2018 (up 2.4 percent; 0.7 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased slightly from 73.6 percent in August 2017 to 73.8 percent in August 2018 (up 0.3 percent; 0.2 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“The August data reverses the recent but brief downturn we saw in June and July’s economic indicators,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This upturn may reestablish the positive trend that Americans with disabilities experienced between February 2016 and May 2018, when we saw steady improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities,” he noted. “We know that the majority of people with disabilities are striving to work, and that the demand for workers is high, so a continuation of this upward trend would not be surprising.”
In addition, the labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.5 percent in August 2017 to 33 percent in August 2018 (up 1.5 percent; 0.5 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also decreased slightly from 77.0 percent in August 2017 to 76.7 percent in August 2018 (down -0.4 percent; -0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“It is interesting to see the labor force participation and employment rebound after two down months. With the economy in full employment, those last two months were unexpected,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “We will be watching the next few months closely.”
“Having to choose between work and health care seems unfathomable,” said Dr. O’Neill, “but it’s a choice that’s often faced by jobseekers with disabilities.” To address this issue, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers the Medicaid Buy-In program. This optional state Medicaid benefit group offers a path to health coverage for workers whose increased earnings put them at risk for ineligibility. “Not all employer health plans cover the services needed by workers with disabilities,” noted Dr. O’Neill. “Medicaid Buy-in offers ways to maintain coverage for supports that enable people to live and work independently, such as personal assistance.”
Medicaid Buy-in programs are offered in 45 states, and over 200,000 individuals with disabilities have taken advantage of this option. Information about eligibility for Medicaid options is available through state Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs, and Ticket to Work. These programs help individuals who are striving to work understand how work and benefits interact, and provide employment referrals and work incentives counseling.
In August 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,601,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 145,851,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, October 7, 2018.
nTIDE July 2018 Jobs Report: Confidence Persists Despite Dip in Job Numbers for Americans with Disabilities
by Kathryn Filanoski | Aug 03, 2018
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
East Hanover, NJ – August 3, 2018. Job numbers declined again for Americans with Disabilities last month, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). Despite the second month of downturns, experts remain optimistic about future job gains as the labor market continues to tighten.
Accommodations are an important factor in the successful hiring of people with disabilities, and in the retention of employees who develop new disabilities. Employers that are open to providing accommodations and have the capability to provide them, will have greater success in meeting their need for staffing.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, August 3, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 29.7 percent in July 2017 to 29.3 percent in July 2018 (-0.4 percentage points; down -1.3 percent). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 74.1 percent in July 2017 to 74.7 percent in July 2018 (+0.6 percentage points; up 0.8 percent). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“From February 2016 until May 2018, we saw steady improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities. However, for the past two months, we have seen slight declines in their employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This downturn is disappointing, but given the tight labor market, we may yet see further improvement for Americans with disabilities.”
In addition, the labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 33.1 percent in July 2017 to 32.4 percent in July 2018 (-0.7 percentage points, down -2.1 percent). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 77.6 percent in July 2017 to 77.7 percent in July 2018 (+0.1 percentage points; up 0.1 percent). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“It is certainly disappointing to see the labor force participation rate of people with disabilities declining, compared to the same time last year, especially since the economy has been doing so well,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “Of course, two months do not imply a trend, so we will be watching this closely in the coming months.”
Working-age people who sustain a disabling illness or injury face major decisions about staying in their jobs or returning to the workforce after treatment and/or rehabilitation. The availability of accommodations may be a major influence in their decision to return to their current job or seek new employment. In 2017, Kessler Foundation released survey findings that revealed useful data about workplace practices for accommodating employees with disabilities.
According to the Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives, 66 percent of employers have implemented a process to provide requested accommodations. Of the 3,000 supervisors surveyed, 96 percent found these processes effective, according to Dr. O’Neill, a survey co-author. “The 34 percent of employers who lack an accommodations process clearly have an opportunity to improve their hiring and retention of people with disabilities by implementing a process for requesting accommodations,” he noted. The majority of supervisors (96 percent) also responded favorably to having access to a centralized accommodations fund to help them provide requested accommodations. Only a small percentage of employers – 16 percent – have such funds, however. “This highlights another opportunity for the majority of employers,” Dr. O’Neill emphasized. “Setting up such a fund would facilitate the provision of accommodations, and help supervisors keep employees in their jobs.”
In July 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,424,000 workers with disabilities represented 3 percent of the total 147,354,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, September 7, 2018.
nTIDE June 2018 Jobs Report: Modest Downturn in Jobs Ends Extended Run for Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – A modest downturn for June indicated the end of 26 consecutive months of job gains for American with disabilities, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). As we observe the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this is a fitting time to reflect on the progress that has been made toward ensuring equal access to employment for people with disability in American society. Kessler Foundation has released a white paper detailing the factors underlying the success of its funding initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the workplace.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, July 6, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 29.8 percent in June 2017 to 29.5 percent in June 2018 (down -1.0 percent; -0.3 percentage points). While, for working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased from 73.9 percent in June 2017 to 74.5 percent in June 2018 (up 0.8 percent; 0.6 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“This is the first month in over two years without improvement in the employment situation for people with disabilities,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This disappointing downturn may be similar to a pattern we saw at the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 with a number of months of gains followed by several months of losses. Let’s hope that this pattern is not repeating itself.”
In addition, the labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 33.0 percent in June 2017 to 32.5 percent in June 2018 (down -1.5 percent; -0.5 percentage points). While, for working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate increased from 77.3 percent in June 2017 to 77.6 percent in June 2018 (up 0.4 percent; 0.3 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“The last few months saw the slowing down of gains for people with disabilities, and now we are seeing the end to a long, unprecedented stretch of gains for people with disabilities. It is far too early to say that the trend is reversing. We’ll see what happens in the coming months, so stay tuned,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability.
This month marks the 28th anniversary of the ADA – legislation that supports inclusion for people with disabilities in our communities and workplaces. Looking at what has been accomplished through targeted grant making provides a blueprint for ensuring that people with disabilities continue to contribute to the growing need for workers in today’s expanding economy. The lessons shared in the Kessler Foundation white paper are relevant to all who strive for greater inclusion in the workplace. “Employing People with Disabilities: Lessons from Kessler Foundation’s Signature Employment Grants,” draws from the independent evaluations of selected grantees by the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. Kessler’s Signature Employment Grants program provides major funding for innovative projects across the nation.
In the white paper, five elements are identified as common to successful projects funded by Signature Employment grants: A focus on changing attitudes about people with disabilities and their ability to work; a person-centered approach to employment; technological platforms or model documentation; strong community partnerships; and wraparound services. “Success was based on several factors,” explained Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior vice president of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation, “including an increase in jobs and the satisfaction of program participants and employers, as well as the potential for funded projects to be self-sustaining and replicable. These outcomes support maximal impact for our funded employment initiatives, and the best possible return on our grant making – solid gains for jobseekers with disabilities.” In June 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,518,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.1 percent of the total 146,821,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, August 3, 2018.
nTIDE May 2018 Jobs Report: Despite Fewer Looking for Work, Gains Continue for Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Job gains continued for Americans with disabilities in May, although fewer were looking for work, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). While greater numbers of people with disabilities have entered the workforce over the past two years, Americans with disabilities are still striving for jobs that support their independence. Employment First is a national initiative that has identified competitive, integrated employment as the cornerstone of full community participation by all people with disabilities. Employment First, which provides a framework for systems changes that prioritize employment, has been adopted in some form in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, June 1, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.2 percent in May 2017 to 29.7 percent in May 2018 (up 1.7 percent; 0.5 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 73.6 percent in May 2017 to 74.2 percent in May 2018 (up 0.8 percent; 0.6 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“This is the 26th consecutive month that we are seeing improvement in the employment-to-population ratio,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “It is indeed good news that we are seeing more people with disabilities finding jobs.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 32.6 percent in May 2017 to 32.2 percent in May 2018 (down -1.2 percent; -0.4 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 76.6 percent in May 2017 to 76.8 percent in May 2018 (up 0.3 percent; 0.2 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“March 2016 was the last time we saw a decline in the labor force participation rate of people with disabilities when compared the same month in the prior year. This could be signaling a softening in the degree to which people with disabilities are engaging in this expanding economy. We will have to see how things go in June,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability.
Employment First has gained momentum, with nearly every state acknowledging the goal of competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities through legislation, executive order, policies or directives.
“The growing acceptance of Employment First is encouraging, but to ensure its success, we must build a compelling case for its success,” said Kelly Nye-Lengerman, MSW, PhD, research associate at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, Research and Training Center on Community Living. “We need to establish outcome measures in order to document how systems are changing on the federal, state and local levels. We anticipate that these data will show that participation in the workforce benefits employers and taxpayers,” she remarked, “as well as individuals with disability.”
In May 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,587,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.1 percent of the total 146,199,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, July 6, 2018.
nTIDE April 2018 Jobs Report: Tight Labor Market Spurs Unprecedented Job Gains for Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Americans with disabilities added another month of job gains, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). As today’s tight labor market offers greater opportunities for jobseekers with disabilities, there is renewed interest in strategies that help people with disabilities achieve their employment goals.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based vocational rehabilitation strategy that is helping people with disabilities achieve their employment goals. Implemented initially in the population with mental health issues, IPS is being tested in individuals with physical disability. Committing resources to evidence-based programs such as IPS will help close the employment gap between people with and without disabilities.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, May 4, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.2 percent in April 2017 to 30.6 percent in April 2018 (up 8.5 percent; 2.4 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio increased slightly from 73.6 percent in April 2017 to 73.8 percent in April 2018 (up 0.3 percent; 0.2 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“People with disabilities seem to be benefiting from the tight labor market as fewer are actively looking for work and more are becoming employed,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “Despite the past 25 months of positive change, people with disabilities are still striving to reach their pre-Great Recession employment levels,” he noted. “And we need to keep in mind that there is still a long way to go before people with disabilities achieve employment parity with people without disabilities.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.0 percent in April 2017 to 33.6 percent in April 2018 (up 5 percent; 1.6 percentage points), while the labor force participation rate for working-age people without disabilities remained the same at 76.6 percent. The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“It’s really stunning to see the gains made by people with disabilities, and that these gains continue to outpace the gains of people without disabilities. I wish we had monthly data from previous recessions to see if this is something that occurs when the economy is at full employment,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability.
Fueled by objective evidence, there has been renewed emphasis on employment services for the population with spinal cord injury. A program based on the IPS model is being implemented by the Veterans Administration to help veterans with spinal cord injuries return to work. “To achieve positive outcomes among individuals with severe disabilities, there needs to be close collaboration between providers of vocational services and providers of medical rehabilitation services,” said Dr. O’Neill. “With the goal of placing and supporting individuals in competitive jobs, integrating these services into the rehabilitation is essential to successful programs. The development of policies and partnerships that support the coordination of these services should be a priority.”
In April 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,730,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 145,652,000 workers in the US.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, June 1, 2018.
EMPLOYMENT STATISTIC FOR THE MONTH MARCH-2018
nTIDE March 2018 Jobs Report: Job Growth for Americans with Disabilities Reaches Two-Year Milestone
by Anna Brennan-Curry | Apr 06, 2018
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Americans with disabilities reached a milestone this month, as the major economic indicators showed increases for the 24th consecutive month, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). The strengthening economy underscores the value of diversity in the workplace. As hiring increases, preparing for the workplace is more important than ever for people with disabilities. Jobseekers with skills and experience gain employment more readily. Programs that provide hands-on work experiences are equipping people with disabilities with the skills they need to succeed in careers in government, nonprofits and private industries.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, April 6, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.6 percent in March 2017 to 31.7 percent in March 2018 (up 10.8 percent; 3.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 73.3 percent in March 2017 to 73.6 percent in March 2018 (up 0.4 percent; 0.3 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“For the 24th consecutive month, we are seeing improvement in the employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities, commented John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This is the longest duration of job gains we’ve seen during our five years of issuing nTIDE Jobs Reports. Most importantly,” he emphasized, “because of this upward trend, people with disabilities are closing in on their pre-Great Recession employment levels.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.3 percent in March 2017 to 34.8 percent in March 2018 (up 7.7 percent; 2.5 percentage points), while for working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate increased slightly from 76.6 percent in March 2017 to 76.7 percent in March 2018 (up 0.1 percent; 0.1 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“The gains made by people with disabilities continue to outpace the gains of people without disabilities,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “The recent increases in wages may possibly be offsetting some of the barriers that people with disabilities face, and thus making employment more feasible,” he noted.
For students, internships are a proven pathway to competitive employment. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) connects college students from the U.S. and abroad with semester experiences for academic credit in the DC area. TWC actively recruits students with disabilities, and provides comprehensive support services to ensure their full participation in the internship program. Through its Leadership Initiative for Student with Disabilities, TWC supports scores of students every year, enabling them to choose from the rich array of opportunities in our nation’s capital, while employers meet potential job candidates and learn the benefits of workplace inclusion.
New Jersey college students are eligible for TWC scholarships funded by Kessler Foundation. “The internship experience is especially valuable for students with disabilities, “ said Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior vice president of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation. “Like other students, they gain skills and experience and earn course credit. However, effectively managing their disability in workplace requires that they have knowledge of their rights as employees. At TWC, students with disabilities receive the preparation they need to launch themselves into the workplace and navigate their advancement in professional careers.”
In March 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,945,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.4 percent of the total 145,299,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, May 4, 2018.
EMPLOYMENT STATISTIC FOR THE MONTH FEBRUARY-2018
nTIDE February 2018 Jobs Report: Americans with Disabilities Close in on Two Years of Job Gains
by Anna Brennan-Curry | Mar 09, 2018
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – The major economic indicators held more good news for Americans with disabilities, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). Gains for jobseekers with disabilities moved higher for the 23rd consecutive month. Several factors may be contributing to ongoing job growth. By addressing policies that hinder employment opportunities, state-level initiatives are making progress toward greater inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, March 9, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.1 percent in February 2017 to 30.5 percent in February 2018 (up 8.5 percent; 2.4 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 72.8 percent in February 2017 to 73.5 percent in February 2018 (up 1 percent; 0.7 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“Job growth among people with disabilities continues with another monthly increase in the employment-to-population ratio,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “Despite the past 23 months of positive change, much work needs to be done before people with disabilities achieve employment parity with their nondisabled peers.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 31.5 percent in February 2017 to 33.6 percent in February 2018 (up 6.7 percent; 2.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 76.4 percent in February 2017 to 76.8 percent in February 2018 (up 0.5 percent; 0.4 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“The gains seen by people with disabilities this month, and over the last 23 months, have far exceeded gains seen by people without disabilities. This suggests that as we approach full employment, employers may be tapping
groups that were previously overlooked,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability.
Efforts on the state level are promoting legislative reforms that prioritize the incorporation of disability in workforce development programs. Partnerships such as the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED) are providing state legislators with the resources they need to develop effective policies for ensuring ongoing progress toward inclusive workforces. Major universities are contributing to state-level efforts through collaborations such as the Midwest Disability Employment Consortium, which aims to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities in the Midwest.
The Consortium includes the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. “Our collective goal is to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities in the Midwest,” said Julie Christensen, LMSW, PhD, director of the Iowa UCEDD. “We are thrilled to partner with Kessler Foundation on this important project – Just in Time Employment Supports – which is based on a unique multi-state approach to finding innovative solutions for expanding access to long-term employment services and supports for people with disabilities.”
“The Consortium will apply readily available virtual technology platforms in its plans to address the employment needs of people with disabilities in these three states,” explained Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior vice president of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation. “We anticipate that this approach will yield large-scale outcomes that will benefit businesses as well as jobseekers,” Katz remarked. The Consortium will also serve as a disability employment ‘think tank’, and a hub for the collection of valuable data on the best practices for competitive, sustainable employment opportunities in these mid-western states.
In February 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,623,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 145,020,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, April 6, 2018.
NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). NTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (9ORT5022 and 90RT5017) and Kessler Foundation.
EMPLOYMENT STATISTIC FOR THE MONTH JANUARY-2018
nTIDE January 2018 Jobs Report: Americans with Disabilities Kick Off the New Year with Sharp Gains in the Labor Market
by Anna Brennan-Curry | Feb 02, 2018
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire Release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – January job numbers are a solid start to the new year for jobseekers with disabilities, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). This extends the record trend to 22 consecutive months for this population. Targeted funding of employment initiatives is helping employers in need of workers connect with people with disabilities across the nation who are striving to work.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, February 2 , the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 27.1 percent in January 2017 to 29.9 percent in January 2018 (up 10.3 percent; 2.8 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 72.4 percent in January 2017 to 72.7 percent in January 2018 (up 0.4 percent; 0.3 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“This month’s increase in the employment-to-population ratio is truly impressive,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “It’s the largest increase we’ve seen during the current upward trend in gains in the labor market for people with disabilities,” he emphasized.
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 30.8 percent in January 2017 to 33.0 percent in January 2018 (up 7.1 percent; 2.2 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also decreased from 76.2 percent in January 2017 to 76.1 percent in January 2018 (down -0.1 percent; -0.1 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“We are approaching a major landmark of two years of job growth for people with disabilities,” observed John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “The length of this upward trend in employment levels shows that people with disabilities are well on their way to achieving pre-Great Recession employment levels,” he added.
“As the economy continues to improve, the labor market is tightening, and employers are feeling the pressure to fill open positions,” observed Rodger DeRose, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation. “We fund the kinds of large-scale initiatives that aim to prepare jobseekers with disabilities to succeed in this competitive environment.” Since 2000, Kessler Foundation has awarded more than $41.5 million to innovative employment initiatives in the U.S. The Foundation recently announced its latest round of grant funding – $2.3 million for a variety of national and local programs.
Major national grants totaling $1.5 million were awarded to initiatives in the Midwest, the Midatlantic states, and Texas. The Autism Alliance of Michigan’s diversity initiative will create partnerships with vocational rehabilitation and provider agencies to promote employment of individuals with autism in automotive companies. The State University of Iowa, Center for Disabilities and Development’s Initiative, the Midwest Disability Employment Consortium: Just in Time Employment Supports, will launch pilot projects in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota that use mobile technology platforms, such as the iPad, to enhance supported employment services. Easter Seals Staffing Network, a project of Easter Seals Serving DC|MD|VA, will match individuals with disabilities to private sector employers throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia through a dynamic e-learning system and vocational support model. Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.’s Works Job Club in Texas will launch a virtual career readiness program that will provide training for deaf and hard of hearing job seekers.
“These are the kinds of programs that will help fuel the positive trends reported in nTIDE,” said DeRose, “and ensure that people with disabilities are ready to meet the challenges of today’s workplace.”
In January 2018, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,445,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.1 percent of the total 143,685,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, March 9, 2018.
NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). NTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (9ORT5022 and 90RT5017) and Kessler Foundation.
Employment Report for 2017
nTIDE December 2017 Jobs Report: Year-end Job Numbers Cap Record Year for Americans with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Despite the December’s lag in U.S. job numbers, Americans with disabilities continued to show strong gains in the labor market, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). This upward trend, which began in the last quarter of 2016, has reached 21 consecutive months for this population.
Through successful public-private partnerships, people with disabilities are finding competitive jobs in today’s job market. With funding from philanthropic organizations and private foundations, partnerships are being established that integrate recruitment, hiring, training, placement and support, toward the goal of connecting qualified candidates with job openings in government and private industry.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, January 5, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.7 percent in December 2016 to 30.8 percent in December 2017 (up 7.3 percent; 2.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 72.8 percent in December 2016 to 73.3 percent in December 2017 (up 0.7 percent; 0.5 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“A landmark has been achieved. Throughout 2017, we have seen improvement in the proportion of people with disabilities who are working,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This solid year of employment growth shows that the efforts of people with disabilities striving to work are translating into success in the workplace,” he added.
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 31.7 percent in December 2016 to 33.8 percent in December 2017 (up 6.6 percent; 2.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate remained that same at 76.1 percent. The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“These numbers are very encouraging,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “It appears that people with disabilities are finally recovering from the Great Recession. There remains, of course, a long way to go before people with disabilities approach the employment levels of people without disabilities,” he cautioned.
In New York City, vacancies across the City’s government are being filled by employees with disabilities through NYC:ATWORK, a citywide employment initiative coordinated by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). NYC:ATWORK connects people of disabilities with available jobs in the private sector, as well as in city agencies through a coalition of public-private partners that includes major companies, city agencies, and state vocational rehabilitation services.
Civil service jobs typically offer stability, good compensation, and opportunities for advancement, but the processes for finding and applying for available positions can be lengthy and involved. Although many people with disabilities could qualify for these competitive positions, they face numerous obstacles on the pathway to employment by states, counties and municipalities. New York City’s 55-a Program (Section 55-a of the NYC Civil Service Law ), facilitates access to government jobs by allowing waiver of the requirement for written civil service examinations for qualified applicants with disabilities. This program is administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), which partners with city agencies to identify vacancies. Eligibility for the 55-a Program is determined by the New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR).
“MOPD and DCAS’s partnership to create access to jobs and careers in city government is at the heart of NYC:ATWORK,” said Commissioner Victor Calise, MOPD. “Working to streamline and update the process of 55-a is truly a collaborative effort, providing an efficient recruitment and on-boarding process that works for the benefit of the city and our workforce.”
NYC:ATWORK is funded by the grants from the Poses Family Foundation, Kessler Foundation, Institute for Career Development, and ACCES-VR. The program will be grant-funded for three years before transitioning in-house at the NYC Department of Small Business Services.
In December 2017, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,643,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 144,351,000 workers in the U.S.
The next nTIDE will be issued on Friday, February 2, 2019. In February, the 2017 Year-end nTIDE will be released, summarizing the exciting developments of last year, and providing a look ahead at the prospects for people with disabilities in 2018.
Join our nTIDE Lunch & Learn series today, January 5, at 12:00pm Eastern. This live broadcast, hosted via Zoom Webinar, offers attendees Q&A on the latest nTIDE findings, provides news and updates from the field, as well as invited panelists to discuss current disability-related findings and events. Crystal M. Monge, Executive Director for Customer Engagement and Compliance in New York City, will join Drs. Houtenville and O’Neill, and Denise Rozell, policy strategist at AUCD, to discuss today’s findings. You can join live, or watch the recordings at: www.ResearchonDisability.org/nTIDE.
NOTE: The statistics in the nTIDE are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, but are not identical. They are customized by UNH to combine the statistics for men and women of working age (16 to 64). NTIDE is funded, in part, by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (9ORT5022 and 90RT5017) and Kessler Foundation.
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes — including employment — for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.KesslerFoundation.org.
About the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire
The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) was established in 1987 to provide a coherent university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. For information on the NIDILRR-funded Employment Policy and Measurement Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, visit www.ResearchonDisability.org.
November 2017
nTIDE October 2017 Jobs Report: Job Numbers Reflect Increasing Inclusion of Americans with Disabilities in the Workforce
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – The major economic indicators continue to reflect increasing inclusion of Americans with disabilities in the workforce, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). Results from a new national survey show that many employers have implemented practices and processes for recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining people with disabilities. The 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives underscores where success is being achieved and reveals opportunities for maximizing inclusion in the workplace.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, November 3, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 27.9 percent in October 2016 to 30.5 percent in October 2017 (up 9.3 percent; 2.6 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 73.1 percent in October 2016 to 73.7 percent in October 2017 (up 0.8 percent; 0.6 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“For the 19th consecutive month, the proportion of people with disabilities working has continued to grow, and once again, their gains are outpacing those of people without disabilities,” according to John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “The duration of this upward trend shows that individuals with disabilities are striving to work and that the processes and practices employers are using to recruit and hire people with disabilities appear to be paying off,” he added.
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 31.3 percent in October 2016 to 33.3 percent in October 2017 (up 6.4 percent; 2 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 76.5 percent in October 2016 to 76.6 percent in October 2017 (up 0.1 percent; 0.1 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“Although the job numbers remain positive, we need to remember that people with disabilities have yet to achieve their pre-Great Recession employment levels,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH and research director of the Institute on Disability. “Kessler Foundation’s 2017 Survey, by identifying effective practices and processes for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, provides new direction for efforts to narrow the employment gap between people with and without disabilities.”
On October 10, 2017, results of the Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives, were released on Capitol Hill. More than 3,000 supervisors responded to the survey, sharing their views about their employers’ processes and practices for promoting success in the workplace for employees with and without disabilities. The results indicate how effective each of these processes and practices are for all employees, and provide new information on what works for individuals with disabilities, and where to focus efforts to achieve greater progress.
“Looking at the practices that work for individuals with and without disabilities is especially revealing,” noted Dr. O’Neill. “Just as universal design makes spaces usable by all, these practices can make employment more accessible for everyone. Despite being viewed as effective, however, some practices are being underutilized.”
For example, only 40% of supervisors had access to training in accessible application and interview techniques, although, in general, they viewed this as very effective and feasible to implement. Similarly, short-term outside assistance was seen as very effective for training of all employees, but used by only 19% of companies. Supervisors reported working from home, flexible scheduling and job sharing as effective accommodations for all employees, but implementation was limited in many companies.
“The survey results provide a new imperative,” said Dr. O’Neill. “Better implementation of effective practices is a pathway to greater employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
The 2017 Survey was commissioned by Kessler Foundation and conducted by the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). This is the first survey to look at the effectiveness of these practices from the perspective of supervisors of employees with and without disabilities. Learn more at https://www.kesslerfoundation.org/kfsurvey17.
In October 2017, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,721,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.3 percent of the total 144,931,000 workers in the U.S.
October 2017
Congressional Group Prioritizing Disability Employment
A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers is coming together in an effort to promote policies aimed at increasing employment among people with developmental disabilities. Five members of the U.S. House of Representatives said this week that they are launching the Bipartisan House Working Group on Employing People with Disabilities.
The group will work to identify polices and regulations that could be established or changed to make it easier for people in this population to enter the workforce.
“Many people with disabilities have dreams of working and living successful, independent lives, but too often our laws and regulations create barriers to entry,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who has a son with Down syndrome. “Our bipartisan working group examines how we can change our system of laws and regulations so that people with disabilities, like my son, Cole, have the same opportunities as everyone else to work and have a better life.”
Traditionally, people with disabilities have risked losing access to Medicaid, Social Security and other government benefits if they earn too much money each month. That is starting to change with the implementation of a 2014 law that allows individuals with disabilities to open ABLE Accounts where they can accrue up to $14,000 per year without jeopardizing eligibility for government supports.
Lawmakers who are part of the new working group say they’re hoping to identify additional legislative tweaks that can similarly encourage people with disabilities to live up to their potential.
“This bipartisan initiative will bring needed attention to the obstacles that Americans with disabilities face in their day-to-day lives,” said Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y. “Congress should help open the door to opportunities for these individuals, and I am proud to be part of an effort to fight against outdated laws that hold disabled workers back from the competitive jobs and benefits they deserve.”
Other founding members of the working group include Reps. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif.
The effort coincides with the introduction of a new public awareness campaign from the National Down Syndrome Society. Dubbed “Law Syndrome,” the campaign produced by the creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi New York highlights the many ways that current Medicaid eligibility standards and other
policies hamper independence for those with the chromosomal disorder.
nTIDE July 2017 Jobs Report: Job Gains for Americans with Disabilities Contribute to Strength of Labor Market
by Art Frick | Aug 04, 2017
Kessler Foundation and University of New Hampshire release nTIDE Report – Monthly Update
Durham, NH – Sustained job growth for Americans with disabilities contributed to the upward trend in the labor market, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – Monthly Update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). This extends the record trend to 16 consecutive months for this population. Integrating resources and strategies among stakeholder groups, including funders, government agencies, community organizations, and employers, is essential to meeting the needs for accessibility, job training, and extended support services for people with disabilities in the workplace. National leaders in disability employment are coming together with a shared commitment to maximize the impact of the many and varied funding streams.
In the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report released Friday, August 4, the employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.1 percent in July 2016 to 29.7 percent in July 2017 (up 5.7 percent; 1.6 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio also increased from 73.3 percent in July 2016 to 74.1 percent in July 2017 (up 1.1 percent; 0.8 percentage points). The employment-to-population ratio, a key indicator, reflects the percentage of people who are working relative to the total population (the number of people working divided by the number of people in the total population multiplied by 100).
“For sixteen consecutive months we have seen increases in the employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities,” noted John O’Neill, PhD, director of employment and disability research at Kessler Foundation. “This is the longest run of improvements in the employment situation for people with disabilities since the data was first available in September of 2008. Let’s hope that this trend continues and the employment-to-population ratio rebounds to prerecession levels for people with disabilities by the end of 2017.”
The labor force participation rate for working-age people with disabilities increased from 32.0 percent in July 2016 to 33.1 percent in July 2017 (up 3.4 percent; 1.1 percentage points). For working-age people without disabilities, the labor force participation rate also increased from 77.1 percent in July 2016 to 77.6 percent in July 2017 (up 0.6 percent; 0.5 percentage points). The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work.
“These results show that people with disabilities are working, want to work, and are indeed striving to work,” said Andrew Houtenville, PhD, associate professor of economics at UNH, and research director at the Institute on Disability.
In New York City, a major project was launched in 2015 to foster sustainable employment opportunities for people with disabilities across a range of sectors. NYC: ATWORK blends funding from private sources with public resources to meet employers’ need for workers. “Our city has almost 1 million people with disabilities. Overwhelmingly, people with disabilities are either unemployed or under-employed, making them the largest source of untapped potential in this city,” stated Victor Calise, commissioner of Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. “Our team aims to address this issue with the city’s first public-private employment initiative for people with disabilities, ‘NYC: ATWORK,’ which is designed to connect talent to businesses, generating meaningful employment opportunities in high growth sectors with competitive wages for New Yorkers with disabilities.”
Aviation is one sector that is leveraging its recruitment efforts through the city’s initiative. “Our goal is to help move the needle forward for people with disabilities.” said Bob Bilak, director of Crew Relations and Compliance Programs at JetBlue. Aligned with our mission of inspiring humanity, our business practices focus on innovative hiring and business mentoring programs. Gainful employment speaks directly to humanity, confidence and self-esteem. Through our partnership with NYC: ATWORK, we have created Reaching Blue Heights Talent Pipeline program, providing access and opportunities for those with disabilities to pursue careers with JetBlue. We also help some jobseekers gain the skills and resources needed to gain employment elsewhere.”
In July 2017, among workers ages 16-64, the 4,719,000 workers with disabilities represented 3.2 percent of the total 145,325,000 workers in the U.S.
EEOC Reports Fewer Disability Discrimination Claims
Workplace discrimination complaints based on disability are on the decline, federal officials say. For the second year in a row, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said the number of job bias complaints it received related to disability fell. There were 25,369 such complaints filed with the agency during the 2014 fiscal year, which ran from Oct. 1, 2013, to Sept. 30, 2014, according to data released this month. That’s down from 25,957 the previous year. Of the disability-related claims handled by the EEOC last year, the agency said 4,981 resulted in favorable outcomes for those who brought charges. What’s more, officials said they secured over $95 million in monetary awards for people harmed. Overall, 88,778 charges of workplace discrimination were filed with the EEOC in 2014, nearly 5,000 less than the year before. The drop was likely due in part to a government shutdown during the reporting period, the agency said. In addition to disability, the EEOC monitors employment discrimination complaints related to race, color, sex, age, religion, genetic information and national origin. “Behind these numbers are individuals who turned to the EEOC because they believe that they have suffered unlawful discrimination,” said Jenny Yang, chair of the EEOC. The EEOC stated that they are committed to meaningful resolution of charges and strategic enforcement to eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity.
Positive News on the Employment front for People with Disabilities
We have beginning to see a tremendous positive signs in almost a year with Employment with people with disabilities according to National Trends in Disabilities Employment dated November 7. It was stated that the employment population increased from 26.9 to 27.1 percent for working age people with disabilities. In general, the overall economy has been picking up for a while now. This is a good news for the employment of people with disabilities that we have seen since September 2013 but it is tempered by the news that people with disabilities are continuing to leave the labor market and not actively looking for work. Remembering today as the Veterans Day, the focus is definitely on the issue for veterans with disabilities. A foundation like Kessler awarded $30,000 grant (Go Fund) to nonprofit organization to reach out to veterans, including many with disabilities for assistance. With the Foundation grant, they developed a program for work-at-home training and employment that resulted in jobs for 50 veterans with disabilities in customer service positions at PSE&G, Set Focus and Johnson & Johnson. The program has been very successful that it has expanded to other cities. More jobs being created for people with disabilities and it time to take hold of that opportunity.
As of April 2012, New Jersey was made an Employment First state. Individuals with disabilities have the opportunity and right to to earn a living, and feel a sense of fulfillment from employment as any other citizen. New Jersey is one of the 14 states which recognizes Employment First, and is setting new found benchmarks for individuals with disabilities and those who support them.
People with disabilities are skilled hardworking taxpayers and deserve the right to employment. The New American Movement calls for more inclusive workplaces; workplaces which promote diversity, expand jobs for everyone, and won’t discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Employment First in New Jersey creates an empowering and safe environment for individuals with disabilities, one which also reduces poverty, another issue at hand.
Employment rates for people with disabilities has not changed much since the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is suppose to guarantee employment regardless of one’s disability. As a result to the recession, employment rates were affected as shown through the census data collected by the American Community Survey revealed that in 2011, an estimated 33.1 percent of people with disabilities (ages 18–64) were employed, compared with 73.2 percent of those without disabilities. Employed individuals with disabilities, ages 21–64, earned on average $36,700 per year compared with $42,800 of their peers without disabilities.
The New American Movement Recommends the following with regards to Employment First in New Jersey:
- Fully integrated workplaces
- Engage friends,family members, and educators to support community-integrated employment
- Provide adequate job coaching services
- Model best practices for recruitment and employment by recruiting, hiring, training and mentoring individuals with developmental disabilities in integrated, competitive employment.
Employment: Phasing out of Sub-minimum Wage
Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards act permits employers to obtain a certificate from the United States Department of Labor to pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage. Due to the National Council on Disability’s commitment to abiding by the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the council formed a committee as a means to thoroughly examine this issue and provide recommendations as to how the United States can better serve the disability community in employment settings. As of January 2012, there were approximately 420,000 people with disabilities in this program. The committee decided that the best way to approach this issue would be to interview stakeholders such as workers with disabilities, families, workshop managers who have obtained 14 (c) certificates, supported employment agencies and state policymakers. The committee chose to execute their study in New York, Ohio, Vermont, South Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Louisiana as these states provide a diverse sample size in rural and urban settings (NCD, 2012).
The duration of this project was from March to May 2012. However, it was clear from the beginning that a systems change approach was needed. This policy dates back to the 1930s in which service systems were based on charity models, causing discrimination to be an unavoidable outcome. Considering there are many years of history to reverse, it is recommended that the federal government eases out of the 14 (c) programs so that workers have a sufficient amount of time to transition to a supported employment setting. In order to reaffirm the United States commitment to empowering people with disabilities, phasing out should be coupled with: 1) benefit planning/work incentive counseling 2) peer support for individual workers and their families 3) providing thorough notification of available supports to workers 4) altering the financial infrastructure of employment services at the state and federal levels, and Congress 5) realign education planning to meet the values of integrated employment, and lastly, 6) abiding by the rules set forth in the Olmstead decision to assist with monitoring and enforcement of these recommendations (NCD, 2012).
Although it was crucial for the Council to hear from people directly affected by these programs, their recommendations were accompanied by the review of a vast amount of research and policy information regarding the results and cost-effectiveness of supported employment settings and sheltered workshops. According to the findings of the NCD (Please see sources below):
- Sheltered workshops are ineffective at transitioning individuals with disabilities to integrated employment. According to the 2001 investigation by the Government Accountability Office into the 14 (c) programs, only approximately 5% of sheltered workshops employees left to take a job in the community.
- According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicaid-financed pre-vocational services to sheltered workshops are, “not an end point, but a time limited (although no specific limit is given) service for the purpose of helping someone obtain competitive employment.”
- Individuals in supported employment who had previously been served in sheltered workshop settings do not show a higher rate of employment as compared to those who had gone straight to supported employment without ever being in a sheltered workshop.
- Research indicates that those who had previously been in sheltered workshops had higher support costs and lower wages than comparable individuals who had never been in sheltered workshop settings
- The 14 (c) sub-minimum wage program is utilized primarily by non-profit or state operated social services providers – specifically, sheltered workshops – rather than private, for-profit businesses. According to the GAO, 95% of all workers with disabilities being paid less than minimum wage under the 14 (c) program were employed by sheltered workshops.
- Research indicates that employees receiving supported employment services generate lower cumulative costs than employees receiving sheltered workshop services and that whereas the cost-trend of supported employee’s shifts downward over time, the opposite is the case for individuals receiving sheltered workshop services.
This particular research exemplifies the reasons why we have a civic responsibility to phase out of sub-minimum wages for people with disabilities. The New American Movement firmly stands behind the recommendations of the National Council on Disability. Furthermore, it is an appropriate time to think about these recommendations due to the fact that October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. If we are to truly practice what we preach then we must ensure that every aspect of the lives of individuals with disabilities is geared towards community inclusion and self-sufficiency.
Sources Used:
“National Disability Policy: A Progress Report – October 2013.” National Council on Disability, 31 Oct. 2013. Web. <http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/10312013>.
“The New Jersey Council on Development Disabilities Position on Employment.” NJCDD, n.d. Web. <https://www.njcdd.org/2012-04-23-13-42-40/position-statements/employment>.
“Employment First.” Department of Human Services (DHS), n.d. Web. <http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/involved/employmentfirst.html>.
National Council on Disability, (2012). National council on disability report on subminimum wage and supported employment. Retrieved from website: http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2012/August232012/
[General Accounting Office (GAO), September 2001, Special Minimum Wage Program, Centers Offer Employment and Support Services to Workers with Disabilities, But Labor Should Improve Oversight GAO-01-886, Page 4.]
[Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicaid, CHIP and Survey & Certification (CMCS Informational Bulletin), Updates to the Section 1915(c) Waiver Instructions and Technical Guide regarding Employment and Employment-Related Services, September 16, 2011, Page 2.]
Robert Evert Cimera Ph.D., Does Being in Sheltered Workshops Improve the Employment Outcomes of Supported Employees with Intellectual Disabilities? Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Kent State University, (March, 2011), Pages 8, 9.
GAO, September 2001, Special Minimum Wage Program, Centers Offer Employment and Support Services to Workers with Disabilities, But Labor Should Improve Oversight GAO-01-886, Page 9.
Robert Evert Cimera, The cost-trends of supported employment versus sheltered employment, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Kent State University (2008), 15-20, Pages 18, 19.
Robert Evert Cimera, Paul Wehman, Michael West and Sloane Burgess, Do Sheltered Workshops Enhance Employment Outcomes for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder?, Autism, published online May 24, 2011: http://aut.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/05/19/1362361311408129