Although the majority of people with disabilities are striving to work, many lack the opportunity to contribute their talents in the workplace. Those who are employed often find their earnings aren't sufficient to cover their household and rehabilitation needs. The employment gap for people with disabilities is not a lack of talent; it’s a lack of opportunity.
of people with disabilities in the U.S. live in poverty or paycheck-to-paycheck
Americans with disabilities rely on Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income
of working aged people with disabilities are employed
of U.S. employers automatically offer modified job duties as an accommodation
Our Scientists Studying Employment
Earn a free certificate to build a more inclusive workforce
A free certificate program, “Employing Abilities at Work,” prepares human resource professionals and others to confidently attract, hire, and retain people with disabilities successfully in the workplace. This training tool can effect change and growth in companies looking to diversify their workforce. Kessler Foundation provided an initial grant to help launch this effort in 2022 by SHRM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Society for Human Resource Management.
A Strength-Based Intervention to Improve Job Interview Skills in Young Adults with Autism (KF-Stride®)
This fully remote study evaluates how effective a strength-based intervention is in improving job interview skills in young adults with autism who may have difficulty with job interviews or want to improve these skills.
Your Support Drives Change
When you give to Kessler Foundation, you make a difference in employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
Employment After Spinal Cord Injury
For people living with spinal cord injury, returning to work can be one a meaningful but difficult milestones in recovery...
Interview Skills Boost Holly Coviello's Confidence Despite Autism
For 18-year-old Holly Coviello and her mother, the typical questions about finding employment have loomed large. Holly is autistic.
Bianchino Family, Bridging Perspectives in Autism
Inspired by their daughter Kira and her journey on the autism spectrum, Melissa and Tony Bianchino are driving impactful change...
William Lands a Summer Job
Potential employers ask, “Why are you the right person for the job?” Understanding your strengths helps, especially for those on the spectrum...
Carla Vicari, Autism Meets Mother's Intuition
Sixteen years ago, when I found out I was pregnant, my husband and I were overjoyed. When we learned we were having twins, our joy more than doubled.
Our Employment Experts in Action
