Before October comes to an end, it is important to recognize National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM). In his Presidential Proclamation, President Biden observed, “a workforce that includes people with disabilities is one that is stronger and more effective.”
Dating back to 1945 and observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike. This year’s NDEAM theme is “Advancing Access and Equity”. Similarly, the administration is also using “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” to celebrate the passage of the Rehabilitation Act a half-century ago and its importance in prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies, federal contractors and recipients of federal funds, and in the delivery of federally funded programs and activities.
In August 2021, the employment participation rate people with disabilities hit 19.2%, surpassing its pre-pandemic level of 19.1% in February 2020. In September 2023, it was 24.9%—the highest on record. This is likely in part due to pandemic-prompted changes such as greater access to telework and other workplace flexibilities, which may be opening new doors for many workers with disabilities. However, despite this positive trend, a large gap remains with those workers without disabilities. Furthermore, the jobless rate among workers with disabilities is nearly double that of those without disabilities. Increased access and equity will help close this gap.
The administration has taken multiple steps to address barriers to helping historically underserved communities, including people with disabilities. On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” and directed all federal departments and agencies to examine their policies and programs. In April 2022, the department published its Equity Action Plan to support marginalized, vulnerable and underserved communities, and outline its efforts to advance equity across the department. Investments have been made to remove transportation barriers, improve accessible workplace technology, strengthen mental health supports, and support competitive integrated employment.
Congress is working on these barriers as well. Several bills are pending that will strengthen employment opportunities and supports for people with disabilities, including revamping the Supplemental Security Income program by adjusting the total amount of benefits for people with disabilities across the nation, increasing their economic security and mobility; addressing the shortage of direct care and long-term care workers; and expanding access to affordable assistive technology. Furthermore, lawmakers are examining ways to include people with disabilities in every area of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act as the bill is up for reauthorization.
Goodwill wants to ensure that all Americans who want to work can, and that they have access to services that enable them to do so. In 2022, local Goodwill organizations provided services to more than 155,000 people with disabilities, including rehabilitation programs for people with injuries or illnesses, occupational skills training, and job readiness and soft skills training. We support local Goodwill leaders as they collaborate with disability stakeholders and we will continue to advocate for policies that result in increased employment opportunities and supports for people with disabilities.
