EMPLOYMENT

Employment

TAC believes the absence of people with disabilities in the workforce is a silent crisis that has negative consequences for individuals, families, and society.  Across the nation, many individuals with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed, despite their desire and ability to work in the community. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of working age people with disabilities in the labor force is about one-third that of persons without a disability. Lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and people who experience homelessness has a negative impact on individuals' income and ability to afford housing, behavioral and physical health outcomes, as well on their community integration and recovery.

Consistent with the principles outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead decision, government agencies are increasingly viewing the rights of individuals with disabilities to not only live but also work in integrated settings in the community as a civil rights issue. The increasing risk of Olmstead litigation related to employment along with implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law by President Obama in July 2014, present an opportunity for state and federal  government agencies to align policies, practices, and funding across systems to prioritize integrated, competitive employment opportunities and services for people with disabilities.

Employment Resources:

Federal Financing of Supported Employment & Customized Employment for People with Mental Illness: Final Report

Partnerships for Opening Doors: A Summit on Integrating Employment and Housing Strategies to Prevent and End Homelessness  

Road to Recovery: Employment and Mental Illness

Bazelon Center Employment Fact Sheets