Employment

Employment rates for young people with developmental disabilities are low. The school district’s job training program for students with developmental disabilities is segregated from the regular school community and takes place at an off-campus site. Most of the job sites for workers with disabilities who re placed in jobs are in Texas rather than New Mexico. There is a critical need for programs to help young people with disabilities acquire appropriate skills and find and maintain employment in integrated settings, or to pursue entrepreneurial activities if that is their wish. Many of these youth are bilingual in Spanish and English, a strong asset for them in finding appropriate employment if they acquire other appropriate job skills.

According to the 2000 Census, there are an estimated 49.7 million Americans living with disabilities, approximately one in five of us. Between individuals living with disabilities, and their families and friends, the employment of individuals with disabilities is a matter which deserves national attention.

In response to how many people are affected by disabilities, President Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative on February 1, 2001. The Freedom initiative promotes the full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society by increasing access to assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding educational and employment opportunities, and promoting full access to community life.

Some of the statistics on the employment of individuals with disabilities really help to paint the picture of why this is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Statistics from 2002 Population Survey

Employment

• 20.8% of non-institutionalized civilians aged 18-64 who report a work-limiting health problem or disability are employed compared to 78% of persons who do not have a work-limited health problem or disability
• 24.3% of non-institutionalized civilians aged 18-64 who report a work-limiting health problem or disability are participating in the workforce compared to 82.8% of persons who do not have a work limited health problem

Unemployment

• The unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities is near 3 times that of individuals who do not report a disability

MYTHS

• While there is a common misconception that people with disabilities do not want to work, 72% of adults with disabilities between the ages of 16 to 64 who are not employed say that they would prefer to work

For more information and additional resources on disability related statistics go to

• www.ilr.cornell.edu/ped/disabilitystatistics
• www.census.gov/hhes/www/disability/disability.html
• www.disabilityinfo.gov
• www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/index.html

What El Poder de los Jovenes is doing to find a solution?

El Poder de los Jovenes project currently has youth trainings for its project participants in

• Resume Writing and Portfolio
• Basic Computer Skills
• Southwest Transition Training Collaborative in Sunland Park, Chaparral, Anthony
• Dress for success (preparedness in personal presentation to promote one self)
• Mentoring at Advisory Committees for public speaking

Other Local Resource include:

New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Public Education Department for additional contact information:

Marcia Weist
Coordinator Gadsden School District
(505) 882-1023 Ext 20
Toll Free (866) 883-8693 Ext 20

Jose Alfredo Garcia,
Mentor/Employment
(505) 882-1023
JoseAG@dvrgetsjobs.com

Lillie M. Vega,
VR Counselor
(505) 524-6135 Ext 112
1-888-901-7866
Lilliev@state.nm.us