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According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 1994-95 data approximately
72.2% of African Americans with disabilities and 51.9% of Hispanics with
disabilities are not working.
The data further show that 85.5% of African Americans and 75.4% of
Hispanics with severe disabilities are not working. Individuals with
disabilities who are members of other minority groups are also
disproportionately represented among the unemployed. The employment
circumstances facing minorities with disabilities are bleak. Attention to this
issue must become a priority for the nation.
In response to these unacceptably high unemployment statistics for
persons with disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds, the Office of
Disability Employment Policy has been working with Howard University, the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Urban
League, ASPIRA and other minority organizations in an effort to respond to this
challenge. It will take the efforts of many organizations and employers to
reverse the negative employment picture for minorities with disabilities.
Factors that
Contribute to High Unemployment
Here are some factors that help to perpetuate the high
unemployment rates of persons with disabilities from culturally diverse
backgrounds:
- People with disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds
experience twice the discrimination experienced by non-disabled people in the
minority community. Both disability and race complicate the situation.
- There is disparity in rehabilitation services provided to
minority persons with disabilities.
- Educational opportunities are less available and affordable to
individuals with disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Inadequate transportation and housing in disadvantaged
communities intensify the employment barriers for minority people with
disabilities.
- There is a lack of mentors and role models for minority
individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
- Mainstream job coaching, on the job training and internships
are often not readily available to minority individuals with disabilities.
- Both mainstream and minority communities and religious
organizations tend to overlook their capability to support the employment of
minority individuals with disabilities.
- Cultural differences are not clearly understood by individuals
or organizations designing programs to support the employment of minority
persons with disabilities.
Actions that
Can Help Improve the Employment Picture
Here are some actions that businesses and organizations can take
to help reduce the level of unemployment of individuals with disabilities from
culturally diverse backgrounds:
- Learn More.
Focus on public
awareness by learning more about minority disability issues.
- Change Attitudes.
Conduct
sensitivity training and awareness sessions for staff.
- Reach Out.
Involve minority
persons with disabilities in organizational programs.
- Make a Commitment.
Designate an
organization official to serve as a disability specialist.
- Help Tell the Story.
Publicize
stories about this issue, whenever possible, in company and organization
newsletters, newspapers and magazines. Focus on minority individuals with
disabilities who are working successfully.
- Educate.
Help improve employment
opportunities for minority persons by addressing this problem at all
minority-related conferences and other events.
- Furnish Role Models.
Identify
role models and mentors for minority persons with disabilities.
- Recruit Wisely.
Utilize local
recruiting sources such as area minority organizations, religious institutions
and disability related organizations to identify qualified job applicants with
disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Advance Training.
Include
minority persons with disabilities in job training and upward-mobility training
programs.
- Provide Employment Opportunities.
Develop targeted internships and job programs for minority persons with
disabilities.
Resources
- Howard University Research and Training Center
2900 Van
Ness Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202) 806-8086 (V), (202) 224-7628
(TTY), (202) 806-8148 (Fax)
July 1998 |