About Hiring People with Disabilities

According to the N.O.D./Harris Surveys of Americans with Disabilities, the Employment Gap is the difference in the rates of employment between people with and without disabilities. 

Only 32% of Americans with disabilities aged 18 to 64 are working, compared to 81% of those without disabilities in this age category. 

Barriers to employment create the widest participation gap for Americans with disabilities. Not surprisingly, of those people with disabilities who are not working, more than two out of three say they would like to work. We live in a society where a career is a major defining element of one's identity. Work impacts one's ability to take part in other critical aspects of life, from home ownership to transportation, access to health care, ability to socialize, pursuit of advanced education, and active participation in one's community. 

More people with disabilities working means more consumers to put money back into the economy, more contributing taxpayers, and better use of the nation's resources. It brings opportunities for employers as well: to tap into new sources of creativity, loyal employees, and expanded workforce and consumer diversity.