More than 50 million Americans identify as disabled and struggle to navigate a challenging work environment.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Disability in America…let’s paint a picture of it.
There are more than 50 million Americans who identify as disabled. At first glance, they may not fit the stereotype, but by federal definition, they live with one or more significant impairments that affect a major life activity.
Taking a shower, combing your hair, cooking a meal, going to work…for millions of Americans, these everyday routines aren’t just a challenge or a burden – they can become a pain.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an important month to raise awareness and talk about how we can contribute across our communities to creating a level playing field for everyone when it comes to opportunities in the workplace, especially people with disabilities.
I wanted to share some of these statistics…Thank you for sharing Disability World. @Disabilityworld translation: pic.twitter.com/nNJ4sTuc68
— Liz Lewin (@LizLewinTV) October 15, 2021
Todd Verwork is chief policy officer at Western New York Independent Living and has cerebral palsy, so he knows firsthand the obstacles of working with people with disabilities.
“The disabled population is a lot broader than people think,” Wahlwerk says. “It’s not just people in wheelchairs, deaf or blind. Some people have problems navigating their homes, some have problems with fine motor control, some have problems holding one thought in their head at a time.”
This month, National #hindrance It’s Employment Awareness Month. If you follow me, you know I’m an employed person with a disability…
My disability is invisible, but like millions of you, I feel it every day.
We are a vital part of the workforce and we are feeling the shortage. More details at the 11th hour. translation:
— Liz Lewin (@LizLewinTV) October 14, 2021
This year, the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy celebrates 20 years of helping expand opportunities for workers with disabilities across the country. Verwork said that while progress has been made since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted 31 years ago, there is still much work to be done to create equal opportunity.
“I’d love to give you the good news that things are getting better, but they’re not. There are gains and there are losses. For example, if you look at the impact that COVID-19 has had on unemployment, it’s been worse than the impact on the general population,” Wahlwerk told 2 On Your Side.
Getting a job, getting promoted, getting a salary…these are all challenges living as a disabled person.
“We not only want to be part of the workforce, but we’re also an integral part of the existing workforce,” Wahlwerk says. “You’re a benefit to the workplace. You’re not just there to inspire. You’re doing the same thing that every other worker is doing.”
When it comes to paperwork and procedures, Vaarwerk says he would turn to an agency like WNY Independent Living that can help.
“There are places you can go, we can help companies, we can help people get what they need to stay employed, we can help solve those problems,” Wahlwerk said. “We’re going to be the voice that says, ‘OK, maybe this is how you can do this.'”
If you or someone you know needs assistance finding employment as a person with a disability, please call WNY Independent Living at 1 800 348 8399.
For more information on Erie County’s resources for people with disabilities, click here