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Why are so many people with disabilities underemployed?

Why are so many people with disabilities underemployed?

But too many barriers exist that lead to people with I/DD being unemployed or underemployed, hindering the opportunity for financial stability. Currently, people often leave school with little to no community-based vocational experience or planning for transitioning from school to work.

What can people with developmental disabilities do at work?

With a little on-the-job training, many people with developmental disabilities can learn to answer phones, clean and repair small machines in an office setting and enter data on computers for various departments. Many state and community agencies provide mentors for people with developmental disabilities at work.

How does employment affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Overview Competitive, integrated employment is a key part of living a meaningful and inclusive life in the community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). However, the majority of people with I/DD remain either unemployed or underemployed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work.

Can a state be a model employer for people with disabilities?

State laws that help states be model employers of people with disabilities. The second table highlights those states known to have statutes or enacted legislation that encourage states to be model employers of people with disabilities through their own employment practices.

How much money is spent on employment for people with disabilities?

At the federal level, as many as 45 federal programs support employment for people with disabilities, with a total investment of more than $4 billion annually.

Why do employers want to hire people with disabilities?

In addition, increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities “saves the federal and state government money by reducing dependency on cash and medical and disability benefits,” according to a 2013 Employer Assistance and Resource Network report.

How are services for people with developmental disabilities delivered?

Most services to children and adults with developmental disabilities are delivered at home and in community-based settings. Support Coordinators facilitate a person-centered approach to maximize member and family self-determination, while promoting the values of dignity, independence, individuality, privacy and choice.