The Time Is Right for Workers with Disabilities - Brief Article

Career World, Nov, 2000

The booming economy is bringing good news for people with disabilities. Because of a severe shortage of workers, recruiters are turning to people with disabilities to help fill job vacancies in corporate America.

Currently, just 25 percent of the 15 million disabled adults of working age in the United States are employed. Of those without jobs, two-thirds would work if they could find employment. Their wait may be over soon. According to the National Disability Council, there has been a 50 percent increase in requests from companies to hire workers with disabilities.

At the same time, advances in technology are making it easier for people with disabilities to do their jobs. Special equipment can help them operate a computer, read the computer screen, and communicate with others.

Companies that hire these workers will learn a secret that some employers have long known: Workers with disabilities are often more skilled and hardworking than regular employees. A DuPont study shows that the job performance of disabled workers is equal to or better than workers with no handicaps.