Sunday, November 8, 2015
Introduction
Welcome to my blog. The following video clip is a great introduction to disability and its effect on employment. Check it out!
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Americans with Disabilities Act
In order to understand how disability effects employment, you need to understand the function and purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
On July 26th, 1990, George H. W. Bush, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law.
Under the ADA, a person with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or metal impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities.
In terms of employment, the ADA offers persons with disabilities protection against discrimination.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency, created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The purpose of the EEOC is to interpret and enforce federal laws prohibiting discrimination, including the ADA.
The ADA protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of your disability. To be qualified for protection, in addition to a disability, "A person must be qualified to perform the essential functions or duties of a job, with our without reasonable accommodation" (www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html).
"Reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.
Some reasonable accommodations include: providing or modifying equipment or devices, job restructuring, modified work schedules, and making the workplace readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, among others.
Employers are required to provide a reasonable accommodation unless it would require significant difficulty or expense.
On July 26th, 1990, George H. W. Bush, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law.
"The ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation" (www.ada.gov/2010_regs.htm).
The following short documentary discusses the importance of the signing of the ADA into law by people who were in attendance at the ceremony.
"Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down." - George H. W. Bush (1990)
Under the ADA, a person with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or metal impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities.
In terms of employment, the ADA offers persons with disabilities protection against discrimination.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency, created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The purpose of the EEOC is to interpret and enforce federal laws prohibiting discrimination, including the ADA.
The ADA protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of your disability. To be qualified for protection, in addition to a disability, "A person must be qualified to perform the essential functions or duties of a job, with our without reasonable accommodation" (www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html).
"Reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.
Some reasonable accommodations include: providing or modifying equipment or devices, job restructuring, modified work schedules, and making the workplace readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, among others.
Employers are required to provide a reasonable accommodation unless it would require significant difficulty or expense.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Demographic Information / Statistics
Below you will find some statistical information concerning the employment status of disabled versus non-disabled persons. This information was drawn from the United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics. If interested you can find more information at their website: Bureau of Labor Statistics
In 2014, 17.1 % of persons with a disability were employed. Employment-population for those without a disability was 64.6 %. This data was collected by the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly sample survey of about 60,000 households.
Of the persons with a disability that were employed in 2014, 33% were employed part-time. In comparison only 18% of non-disabled persons were employed part-time in 2014.
The following chart, taken from the Bureau's website, breaks down the status of full-time vs. part-time workers by disability status and age.
In 2014, 17.1 % of persons with a disability were employed. Employment-population for those without a disability was 64.6 %. This data was collected by the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly sample survey of about 60,000 households.
Of the persons with a disability that were employed in 2014, 33% were employed part-time. In comparison only 18% of non-disabled persons were employed part-time in 2014.
The following chart, taken from the Bureau's website, breaks down the status of full-time vs. part-time workers by disability status and age.
 |
Fast Facts:
1. Persons with a disability are less likely to have completed a bachelors degree than those without a disability, but those that had completed a degree were more likely to be employed.
2. Persons with a disability were 3x more likely to be 65 years or older compared to those without a disability.
3. Persons with a disability were more likely to be self-employed than those who didn't have a disability.
What did these numbers look like before 2014?  What about New York State?  |
Thursday, November 5, 2015
End the Cycle - Disability, Employment, and Poverty
The following video clips were created by End the Cycle of Poverty and Disability. End the Cycle was developed with participation from people with a disability. Their belief is that there is no better person to tell the story of disability than those individuals who experience it first hand.
This first clip provides an overview of End the Cycle and features snippets from each of their videos.
This second clip, Stevie Wills, a performance poet, writer, and public speaker who was born with Cerebral Palsy discusses the importance of employment for individuals with disabilities and how it can help end the cycle of disability and poverty.
Below is a summary of the main points that Stevie discusses in the video.
The ability to earn an income and access paid employment is one of the most important ways for people to break out of poverty.
It is a human right for everyone, yet 80% of women and 50% of men living with a disability are unemployed.
Some reasons for not being employed include, missing out on schooling opportunities, being denied the required training and financial help required to find work or start a business, and finally, perhaps employers don't understand the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Stevie believes that inclusion in employment is important because it can empower persons with disabilities to earn a living and support themselves, which is the ultimate for most people, disabled or not.
This first clip provides an overview of End the Cycle and features snippets from each of their videos.
This second clip, Stevie Wills, a performance poet, writer, and public speaker who was born with Cerebral Palsy discusses the importance of employment for individuals with disabilities and how it can help end the cycle of disability and poverty.
Below is a summary of the main points that Stevie discusses in the video.
The ability to earn an income and access paid employment is one of the most important ways for people to break out of poverty.
It is a human right for everyone, yet 80% of women and 50% of men living with a disability are unemployed.
Some reasons for not being employed include, missing out on schooling opportunities, being denied the required training and financial help required to find work or start a business, and finally, perhaps employers don't understand the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Stevie believes that inclusion in employment is important because it can empower persons with disabilities to earn a living and support themselves, which is the ultimate for most people, disabled or not.
The Medical Model of Disability
The medical model of disability is built around the belief that, "disability results from the physical or metal limitations of the individual and is largely unrelated to the physical and social environment in which people live" (Gottlieb, Myhill, Blanck). Basically, the medical model treats disability as the problem and the only way to "fix" the problem is through treatment or medical support. Because the medical model emphasizes the importance of care, persons with disabilities are often times, "excused from the normal obligations of society, such as work" (Gottilieb, Myhill, Blanck).
If living within the context of the medical model, persons with disabilities are limited in the choices they can make in terms of employment. It prevents them from becoming economically self-sufficient, and keeps them from realizing their full vocational potential.
Under the medical model, persons with disabilities are often times are unemployed. Those individuals who do find employment are often given a job within a segregated setting.
In my opinion, the following cartoon demonstrates the status of employment under the medical model.
If living within the context of the medical model, persons with disabilities are limited in the choices they can make in terms of employment. It prevents them from becoming economically self-sufficient, and keeps them from realizing their full vocational potential.
Under the medical model, persons with disabilities are often times are unemployed. Those individuals who do find employment are often given a job within a segregated setting.
In my opinion, the following cartoon demonstrates the status of employment under the medical model.
The medical model treats all individuals with a disability in the same manner. Example: All persons with autism are categorically the same. Although their individual abilities vary from person to person, the medical model groups them all together.
As we all know, persons with Autism vary greatly in terms of ability and skill sets. To ask a group of persons with autism to complete the same tasks, in the same manner, would be like asking the animals above to all perform the task of climbing the tree in the same manner. Not only is it unrealistic to think this is possible, but it doesn't allow individuals to use their specific abilities to complete the task.
The medical model of disability helps to reinforce stereotypes held by employers. Some common misconceptions about employing individuals with disabilities are:
1. Individuals with disabilities are less qualified than their non-disabled counterparts.
2. Employees with disabilities will have a higher absentee rate than those individuals without disabilities.
3. Business health care costs will increase.
4. Accommodating individuals with disabilities is costly and time consuming.
For more information about the myths involved in employing individuals with disabilities visit EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network website.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Social Model of Disability
The social model of disability was created around the idea that an individual with disabilities is only limited by the barriers placed around them by society, the environment, and the discriminatory attitudes of individuals around them. These barriers prevent them from fully participating in society.
In comparison with the medical model, the social model of disability is a person first model. It looks at the abilities and skills of each person and helps them to realize their full potential. In terms of employment there are many benefits to subscribing to the social model. Not only does it help persons with disabilities contribute to society, but it also improves their quality of life because their individual abilities are being recognized as important, and utilized for the betterment of themselves as well as others.
In many countries including the United States and Canada, the social model has helped persons with disabilities obtain employment within the community (Gottlieb, Myhill, Blanck).
The social model of disability helps to empower individuals with disabilities and makes them feel that their individual skills can be used and fully realized by employers and society.
The following video, "Who I Am", is a great representation of the social model of disability. Each person in the video describes the characteristics that make them unique, the skills they offer, and talk about their ability to perform the job they do.
In comparison with the medical model, the social model of disability is a person first model. It looks at the abilities and skills of each person and helps them to realize their full potential. In terms of employment there are many benefits to subscribing to the social model. Not only does it help persons with disabilities contribute to society, but it also improves their quality of life because their individual abilities are being recognized as important, and utilized for the betterment of themselves as well as others.
In many countries including the United States and Canada, the social model has helped persons with disabilities obtain employment within the community (Gottlieb, Myhill, Blanck).
The social model of disability helps to empower individuals with disabilities and makes them feel that their individual skills can be used and fully realized by employers and society.
The following video, "Who I Am", is a great representation of the social model of disability. Each person in the video describes the characteristics that make them unique, the skills they offer, and talk about their ability to perform the job they do.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
The Autobiographical Lense
The following video: Employment can WORK for You! is a short documentary about persons with disabilities and their experiences in the workplace.
Charlie is employed by Navigant Credit Union as their mail clerk. He has worked for Navigant for a little over 9 years.
Gary Furtado, CEO of Navigant Credit Union, describes making the successful transition of employing Charlie a group effort.
Charlie is described by the CEO and co-workes as a valuable employee of Navigant. He is considered "one of the guys" and everyone talks about Charlie in a positive way explaining that he does his job conscientiously.
Some of Charlie's duties include delivering inter-office mail and outgoing mail. He describes his co-workers as courteous and says they are great people to work with.
"People with disabilities can get a job outside in the community, instead of working in a group home."
Charlie's final point about a person with disability working outside of a group home and in the community is a great point! Many times persons with disabilities are employed by "disabilities only" companies or groups, but most disabled persons hope to become an integrated part of society and work in the open job market.
The following video, disABILITY: Empowerment through Employment clearly demonstrates the importance of the social model of disability.
In this video you will learn about several individuals with disabilities and their jobs. You will hear how they feel about their jobs, what they like about working, and what having a job means to them. What I like about this video is that it doesn't broadcast the disabilities that the people in the video have. It focuses on their ability to work and do their given job.
The video begins with a quote from president Bill Clinton that states, "Work is about more than making a living, as vital as that is. It's fundamental to human dignity, to our sense of self-worth as useful, independent, free people."
Jeffery (:35)
Jeffery has worked for SW Resources, Inc. for 15 years. He enjoys his job and basically does what ever the company needs him to do. He prides himself on earning a paycheck every two weeks.
Rodney
Rodney works for Job Squad, Inc. He inspects cars and works on big trucks.
Scott (4:45)
Scott works for Goodwill Industries of the Kanawha Valley, Inc. Scott was homeless, but he got a job working at the Capital Complex through Goodwill and now has his own apartment.
Jennifer (5:31)
Jennifer also works for Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Inc. She was in foster care until the age of 19. She has worked for Goodwill for 7 years. Some of her job duties include: cleaning the restrooms, vacuum and cleaning the glass.
Mike (7:20)
Mike works for SW Resources, Inc. He makes signs and he likes doing so because he knows it will be used for many years. Mike does have mental illness and obsessive compulsive disorder, but work takes his mind away from all that. He has gained freedom to travel, buy a car, and pursue his hobbies.
Jerry (8:45)
Jerry works for Integrated Resources, Inc. He has worked in his job for 3 years. He does all kinds of jobs in the show. He likes to help people who need it. "You don't work, you don't make money."
Meet Charlie Zawacki
Charlie is employed by Navigant Credit Union as their mail clerk. He has worked for Navigant for a little over 9 years.
Gary Furtado, CEO of Navigant Credit Union, describes making the successful transition of employing Charlie a group effort.
Charlie is described by the CEO and co-workes as a valuable employee of Navigant. He is considered "one of the guys" and everyone talks about Charlie in a positive way explaining that he does his job conscientiously.
Some of Charlie's duties include delivering inter-office mail and outgoing mail. He describes his co-workers as courteous and says they are great people to work with.
"People with disabilities can get a job outside in the community, instead of working in a group home."
Charlie's final point about a person with disability working outside of a group home and in the community is a great point! Many times persons with disabilities are employed by "disabilities only" companies or groups, but most disabled persons hope to become an integrated part of society and work in the open job market.
The following video, disABILITY: Empowerment through Employment clearly demonstrates the importance of the social model of disability.
In this video you will learn about several individuals with disabilities and their jobs. You will hear how they feel about their jobs, what they like about working, and what having a job means to them. What I like about this video is that it doesn't broadcast the disabilities that the people in the video have. It focuses on their ability to work and do their given job.
The video begins with a quote from president Bill Clinton that states, "Work is about more than making a living, as vital as that is. It's fundamental to human dignity, to our sense of self-worth as useful, independent, free people."
Jeffery (:35)
Jeffery has worked for SW Resources, Inc. for 15 years. He enjoys his job and basically does what ever the company needs him to do. He prides himself on earning a paycheck every two weeks.
Rodney
Rodney works for Job Squad, Inc. He inspects cars and works on big trucks.
Scott (4:45)
Scott works for Goodwill Industries of the Kanawha Valley, Inc. Scott was homeless, but he got a job working at the Capital Complex through Goodwill and now has his own apartment.
Jennifer (5:31)
Jennifer also works for Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Inc. She was in foster care until the age of 19. She has worked for Goodwill for 7 years. Some of her job duties include: cleaning the restrooms, vacuum and cleaning the glass.
Mike (7:20)
Mike works for SW Resources, Inc. He makes signs and he likes doing so because he knows it will be used for many years. Mike does have mental illness and obsessive compulsive disorder, but work takes his mind away from all that. He has gained freedom to travel, buy a car, and pursue his hobbies.
Jerry (8:45)
Jerry works for Integrated Resources, Inc. He has worked in his job for 3 years. He does all kinds of jobs in the show. He likes to help people who need it. "You don't work, you don't make money."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)