Chicago, IL, October 19, 2020
Media Contact:
Tanner Culbertson
Tculbertson@purposebrand.com
The number of adult Americans with disabilities is 26% of the population and growing. Job losses for this group, which have long outpaced unemployment for Americans without disabilities, have climbed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we rebuild the economy, Easterseals is asking U.S. businesses to commit to diverse, inclusive and just workplaces where employees with disabilities are included, valued and paid fair wages.
This national nonprofit services provider and advocacy leader —which is dedicated to people with physical and intellectual disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families—has launched its initiative to respond to employment disparities that have challenged people with disabilities for decades and have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Its introduction coincides with the 75th observance of the U.S. Department of Labor's National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"The pandemic has shown employers how efficiently we all can work remotely with the proper resources, eliminating many of the inequities that keep people with disabilities from performing at their full potential," said Easterseals President and CEO Angela F. Williams.
"Yet at the same time, COVID-19 layoffs have dealt workplace diversity a setback. Without a commitment to disability rights, the wage gap between workers with and without disabilities will grow even wider. Our challenge going forward is to ensure the workplace, as it rebuilds, respects the dignity and productivity of employees with disabilities."
Website Guides Employers in Building Workplace Diversity, Accessibility & Equity
The website easterseals.com/disabilityequity lists 10 steps to help companies reach disability equity by 2030 by increasing job opportunities, ensuring workplace accessibility and creating a culture that welcomes and values people with disabilities. Easterseals also offers job training and employment programs nationwide and a Veteran Staffing Network to assist in recruiting.
A truly inclusive workplace considers diversity not only in hiring but also physical and mental health support services, advertising and charitable giving. One in four adults in the U.S. live with a disability from loss of mobility, cognition, hearing and/or vision, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Employment discrimination laws cover the 11 million American workers with disabilities. Yet people with a disability are less likely to earn a full-time wage--32% of workers with a disability usually work part-time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says, compared to 17% of workers with no disability. The shortage of full-time work contributes to an overall 34% earnings gap between workers with and without disabilities.
Tellingly, the U.S Census Bureau says many full-time occupations also reflect this pay gap for employees with disabilities including CEOs, lawyers, marketing and sales and financial analysts. The wage gap is one of the toughest issues facing people with disabilities, who have additional living expenses for health care, personal services, transportation and other accommodations.
A 1% increase in workers with disabilities would raise gross domestic product as much as $25 billion, the consulting firm Accenture found. Companies identified as leaders in disability and inclusion are more profitable than their peers. Yet one study featured in the Harvard Business Review finds that only 4% of companies consider disability in their workplace diversity plans.
All In: The Disability Equity Pledge
Easterseals invites all employers in corporate America to participate in its 10-point plan to make a diverse and inclusive workplace a reality:
About Easterseals
Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families for more than 100 years. Together, its 67 affiliates in communities nationwide serve 1.5 million people annually through high-quality programs, including autism services, early intervention, workforce development and adult day care. Driven by its purpose to change the way the world defines and views disability, Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in people's lives every day. Learn more at easterseals.com.
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