A new study released late last year shows a
growing trend in support for and confidence of work capabilities of people who
are blind or live with significant disabilities. The survey was released by the
U.S. AbilityOne Commission, a public-partnership through which nonprofit
agencies train people who are blind or have a significant disability to develop
products and services for the U.S. government.
In the survey, nearly half (48%) of respondents
reported knowing a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker who is blind
or has significant disabilities. The survey also revealed a growing awareness
of challenges facing Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities.
The
unemployment rate for working-age persons who are blind or have a disability is
disproportionately high, with only 32% of these individuals participating in
the labor force. J. Anthony Poleo, Chairperson of the U.S. AbilityOne
Commission stressed the importance of advocacy, saying “Awareness and education
are fundamental precursors to shifting the employment figures for these highly
capable yet chronically underemployed individuals in a positive and meaningful
way.”
To learn more about jobs provided by AbilityOne
employers in your State, contact NISH at info@nish.org
or visit their website at www.nish.org.
