People with disabilities want to work, but so many obstacles are standing in the way. This year, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was less than 23, compared with about 71 percent for persons with no disability. Where’s the first place to go when you have a disability and you want to work?
For serious support that will help you get that elusive job, check out the website for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Created in 2001 to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce, its programs encompass a wide variety of assistance, not only for those who are seeking employment, but also for companies interested in hiring them.
How extensive is ODEP’s foundation of support for workers with disabilities to make it to their place of employment and carry out their job?
Accessible Transportation
Many people with disabilities still lack access to reliable public and private transportation, a key component to working. ODEP’s United We Ride program enhances transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities. Also check out the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and click on “services.”
Health Care and Disability
ODEP is actively involved in creating a health care policy agenda to support workers with disabilities. Looking at health care and employment as interlinking issues, the goal is to create a policy where health care issues are integrated into disability job creation and continuation.
Accessible, Affordable Housing
Part of a joint effort to provide employment and housing services to people who are “chronically homeless,” ODEP strives to help people with disabilities locate housing that is affordable as well as accessible.
You can find information regarding design and technical advice for people with disabilities, plus applicable housing laws.
Assistive Technology
A critical issue for many people with disabilities is having assistive technology available on the job. ODEP is currently devising public policy that will ensure such things as telephone headsets and enlarged key pads are available when needed.
Personal Assistance services (PAS) are often a requirement for people with disabilities to get by from day to day. In the workplace, it may involve retrieving a hard-to-reach book, reading handwritten materials to an employee with a visual impairment, or ensuring a sign language interpreter is present at company meetings.
Income Supports
Sometimes supplemental assistance is required for people with disabilities, at least for a limited time. Such income may consist of social security benefits, welfare, or food stamps.
