DeRose responds to WSJ article on hiring people with disabilities
Letter to the Editor, Wall Street Journal 2.29.12
Re: Wall Street Journal 2.29.12; U.S. Pushes Target for Hiring the Disabled by Melanie Trottman
The new section 503 federal mandate is an important step toward narrowing the persistent employment gap between people with and without disabilities. The employment gap between people with and without disabilities was 38%, as measured in the 2010 Survey of Employment of Americans with Disabilities conducted by Harris Interactive. Kessler Foundation co-sponsored this survey with the National Organization on Disability to assess progress since ADA legislation was passed in 1980. The gap remains largely unchanged despite significant gains in education, a finding that indicates persistent obstacles to entering the workplace. The survey also showed that disability accommodations do not add to hiring costs. Moreover, companies that hire people with disabilities benefit from their workforce of loyal and productive workers. To help overcome obstacles to employment Kessler Foundation provides grants to innovative programs that expand job opportunities for people with disabilities, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom have transferable skills. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies and the business community need to raise their awareness of the advantages of a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities.
Rodger DeRose
President & CEO
