Two words we want to hear more often: “You’re hired!”
by Katy
I am pleased to introduce Verna Hensley, Vice President of Public Affairs at Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, as a guest blogger today.
National Governors Association initiative aims to improve employment of individuals with disabilities
by Verna Hensley
“You’re hired!” Those two simple yet powerful words are delivered in businesses, plants and offices all across the country. Unfortunately, jobseekers with disabilities don’t hear those words as often as their counterparts without disabilities.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor found that only 20.5% of people with disabilities are in the workforce compared to 70% for people without disabilities. Think about that: only two in every 10 Americans with disabilities are in the labor force while 7 in 10 Americans without disabilities are employed. The monthly unemployed rate for individuals with disabilities consistently reports in at double the rate for people with disabilities.
These alarming statistics have motivated some powerful leaders to help. Delaware’s chief executive, Governor Jack Markell, is the new chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) — the bipartisan group that represents all 50 state governors. Earlier this month, Governor Markell announced his chair’s initiative would focus exclusively on increasing employment of people with disabilities. He and his team will develop best practices and policy options that will be shared with every governor in the country.
Top business leaders, including the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, already recognize that individuals with disabilities are an “untapped resource” for employers. This new NGA effort is a win-win for businesses and jobseekers with disabilities, and all of us at Easter Seals Delaware, Easter Seals, Inc. and the entire Easter Seals national network of affiliates applaud Governor Markell and the NGA for its leadership on this very important issue.