Jobs And Disabilities: A Merging Road

In this 21st century, post September 11th economy, one of the biggest fears that surrounds nearly every individual is the concern that he or she may lose his/her job. It's hard to estimate just how many people have directly or indirectly been effected by the declining economy, but undoubtedly those who had a difficult time finding a job before September 11th will have an even harder time finding a job now. For many individuals with disabilities, the stringent job market has only made it more difficult to find a job. Many employers are looking for the best-qualified, least expensive employee with the fewest demands on the company. If an individual with a disability fits the job requirements but requires some assistive technology devices, the employer would likely choose the prospective employee that requires the least. This, often times, creates an unfair, disadvantaged situation for the individual. But with the continual growth and development of new programs designed to help individuals with disabilities find equal employment, they could be the largest untapped human resource in the United States.

By the year 2020, the U.S. labor market will be drastically reduced as baby boomers leave the workforce while businesses continue to grow. The current projection for the labor market in 2020 includes 23 million unfilled jobs. This projection will leave many businesses with two options: export jobs or import workers. With one of the largest untapped resources in the United States, the disabled community, this labor market prediction could be drastically altered if steps are taken now. Many businesses face challenges when seeking out correct applicants for their positions, including time, training, and networking. In order to address these issues, organizations and programs that work with individuals with disabilities to help them enter or return to the workplace must be able to anticipate the needed skills and begin training now. For those who are interested in owning and operating their own businesses, small business and self-employment services should be able to help individuals with disabilities determine what the market-needs will be in the future and guide them in creating business plans and accruing funds.

GCEPD, the Governors Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities, a part of the Maryland Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities, has worked diligently to create associations and partnerships with Maryland businesses to educate them about the disabled community's need for work and their ability to help fill the needs of many businesses. GCEPD, which is affiliated with US Department of Labor's Office on Disability Employment Policy, is comprised of 36 individuals representing state agencies, businesses, service providers and individuals with disabilities who meet to address issues related to employment, including attitudinal barriers, healthcare, architectural accessibility, and transportation. With these issues in mind, the GCEPD held its annual conference on April 25, 2002. "Maintaining the Momentum," the name of this year's conference, addressed a variety of issues, from entrepreneurship and what employers want to maximizing youth potential and building bridges to businesses.

A number of classes were held for individuals and business owners/representatives to attend. They addressed issues such as how to start a small business, how to find employers that will support the needs of employees, and training employers about the possibilities and benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. A panel presentation was held in the afternoon, with representatives from the ADA resource center, the U.S. Access Board, the EEOC, and the Maryland Human Relations Commission. The board discussed the various functions that each department performs and they answered questions from the audience.

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Michael Dalto of the Maryland Technology Assistance Program presents various issues surrounding in-depth benefits planning.

GCEPD also held an awards presentation for numerous people in the disability community. Brian Drnec of Salisbury State University won the Outstanding Maryland Youth with a Disability Award; Albert Bussone of Pikesville, Maryland won the Evie Cutler Memorial Helping Hand Award, which is given to an individual, organization, or agency that does an outstanding job in facilitating the entry of individuals with disabilities into the workforce; Wal*Mart Supercenter #2931 of Salisbury, Maryland won the Chester A. Troy Employer of the Year Award for promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities; and David Larmore of Salisbury, Maryland and Joseph I. Cassilly of Bel Air, Maryland both won Outstanding Marylander with a Disability Award. The awards were given in appreciation of each of these awardees determination in entering/ re-entering the workplace.

As we move quickly through the beginning of the 21st century, it is important to encourage the development of communication between those with disabilities and the businesses that will be relying on them in the near future. With the forging of the communication and the building of needed skills, a road can be built between the two communities, each benefiting the other.