By Abigail Lewis, NACDD Spring 2024 Policy Intern
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their “Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary” data, highlighting a promising trend: disabled employment in the United States has reached a record high. However, beneath this positive headline lies a sobering reality: people with disabilities are far less likely to be engaged in the workforce than people without disabilities, particularly for disabled women and people of color. To address these disparities, comprehensive policy interventions are important.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Councils across the nation have been at the forefront of advocacy and action to promote competitive integrated employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. From legislative initiatives supporting Employment First policies to investments in improving provider capacity and fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and more, DD Councils play a pivotal role in driving systemic change and advancing employment equity.
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD), as part of the Employment First Commission, successfully advocated for a new law that expands tax credits to businesses that support employees with disabilities and creates a matching grant program that incentivizes employers to transition away from a federal policy that allows them to pay Kansans with disabilities less than wage. Additionally, KCDD collaborates with Kansas-based disability groups and employers committed to inclusive hiring practices and offering fair, competitive wages.
DD Councils across the country are working to improve employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As advocates for disability rights and inclusion, it is essential for us to translate awareness into action. By amplifying our voices in support of policy reforms, promoting education and awareness on disability rights, and actively supporting disabled individuals in the workforce, we can collectively contribute to dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.
