Kessler Foundation Commemorates ADA Anniversary by Supporting Disability Employment Initiatives and Research
WEST ORANGE, N.J.—As July 26th marks the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Kessler Foundation continues to pledge its commitment to change the lives of the 56 million Americans with disabilities.
Earlier this year, Kessler Foundation began collaborating with the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD) to release Trends in Disability Employment—National Update (TIDE Update). John O’Neill, Ph.D., director of Employment and Disability Research at Kessler Foundation, and Andrew Houtenville, Ph.D., UNH-IOD Professor of Economics, analyze the latest employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, released the first Friday of every month, and interpret what these data mean for people with disabilities. Last month’s data showed that more people with disabilities are seeking jobs. The employment-to-population ratio decreased, however, meaning that overall, fewer people with disabilities were employed.
Rodger DeRose, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation, said, “The ADA removed barriers to employment, but it’s up to us to create opportunities. Hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense. Compared with employees without disabilities, these workers demonstrate greater productivity, dedication, creativity and adaptability, as well as less absenteeism and turnover. Businesses with inclusive workforces report increases in efficiency and in having a social impact. Despite these facts, people with disabilities continue to face challenges entering the workforce. Through funding of innovative employment initiatives, Kessler Foundation is increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to contribute their talents, earn a paycheck and help grow the economy while society benefits from their skills.”
DeRose noted his thoughts on the ADA and what still needs to be done to increase employment for Americans with disabilities in his opinion piece, “Providing Work Opportunities for People with Disabilities Benefits Economy and Society,” featured in The Hill, the congressional daily, on July 24.
Kessler Foundation awards grants to initiatives that launch or expand job training and employment initiatives for people with disabilities. For the second consecutive year, Signature Employment Grants were distributed to organizations nationwide. The National Telecommuting Institute (NTI), a Foundation grantee, placed 300 people with disabilities as call center agents in one year. These home-based agents represent the Internal Revenue Service, AAA and other large corporations.
The Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst (APSE), another grantee, is working with OfficeMax to develop a training and employment model for people with disabilities in distribution and retail centers. In August, APSE will open the first Aspire CareerLink Training Center. For the two-year grant period, the project will involve at least four OfficeMax facilities and support 40 jobseekers with disabilities.
Since 2005, Kessler Foundation has distributed $27 million in grants, leading to more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities finding job training or employment. Elaine Katz, vice president of Grants & Special Initiatives at the Foundation, said, “Grant funding provides a way to invest in disability employment programs with low risk and easy entry. Once established, programs become self-sufficient and companies show a high return on investment.” Katz presented her insights on successful employment initiatives at “Building a More Inclusive Workforce: A National Summit to Boost Education and Employment Outcomes for Americans with Disabilities” in May.
In addition to its grantmaking, Kessler Foundation conducts rehabilitation research to maximize the daily function of individuals with mobility and cognitive disabilities. Research also examines how to improve employment outcomes for individuals with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury across racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
About Kessler Foundation Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.
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Contacts: Lauren Scrivo, 973.324.8384, 973.768.6583 - c, [email protected] Carolann Murphy, 973.324.8382, [email protected]
