Disabled workers have a tougher time
The mentally disabled want to work as much as anybody does, but jobs for them are even tougher to come by -- especially during a recession. David Martin Davies reports.
A man holds his head in his hand in a dark room. (iStockPhoto)
TEXT OF STORY
Kai Ryssdal: Nearly two years worth of a desperately slow economy have affected a huge slice of the U.S. population. No matter your income bracket, your career path, or even where you live, you almost certainly know, or know of, somebody who's lost their job, or you've been laid off.
The recession has affected another more specific group, too -- the mentally disabled. They want to work as much as anybody does. But jobs for them are even tougher to come by.
David Martin Davies reports from Texas Public Radio.
DAVID MARTIN DAVIES: In the workshop at the Unicorn Center in San Antonio, there are rows of tables with about 200 workers, sitting on folding chairs, concentrating on seemingly menial tasks. The labor force here is made up of people with mental disabilities.
John Schwab is the nonprofit's executive director.
JOHN SCHWAB: Coming to work, earning a paycheck, and then receiving it -- it's a real good thing for our guys.
The Unicorn teaches life skills, and Schwab says a big part of that is providing jobs.
SCHWAB: Everything from collating papers to putting widgets, gidgets and gadgets together.
One crew is putting together clear plastic blister packaging. It's that familiar casing that's almost impossible to open. You can blame these guys for that.
Anthony Tosi is 45-years old, and he glows with pride as he does his job. He sits in front of what looks like a waffle iron that bonds the plastic shut.
Anthony TOSI: This thing gets up to 500 degrees -- don't touch this top -- this and this goes there -- oh how about that -- this thing goes up, pour this out, and this is the finished product.
In this economy it's getting tougher to find contracts to keep the workshop busy. And rising unemployment is hurting the Unicorn's other mission: finding jobs in the real world for their special folks, like Judy Blackman. She got her job as a custodian at an Applebee's restaurant. The Unicorn showed her how to punch in, punch out and everything in between.
Judy BLACKMAN: At first it was hard cause I was still kinda shy and nervous, but once you get used to the people then you kinds relax and say, OK you can do this.
John Butterworth is with the Institute for Community Inclusion. He says getting the disabled into the work force has so many benefits for the individuals involved.
JOHN BUTTERWORTH: Work defines us, provides us with some structure, provides us with friendships, you know, there are indications that it has impacts on other parts of our lives like health.
Right now, Americans with mental disabilities are losing their jobs three times faster than the typical worker. And Butterworth is concerned that the disabled are going pushed out of the job market, even after an economic recovery.
BUTTERWORTH: We are at a time when the economy is taking a toll on people with disabilities.
That's what Judy found out when slow sales forced her restaurant to close down.
BLACKMAN: One day I walked in, they said I could no longer work there. I was pretty sad. I cried.
But rather than ending Judy's career with the chain the district manager eventually found room for her at another Applebee's. So she still has a job. And Judy tells her friends at the Unicorn not to give up.
BLACKMAN: Once you get a job, you're set. Then you're much happier.
In San Antonio, I'm David Martin Davies for Marketplace.
Comments
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11/19/2009
There are so many people drawing unemployment now. The reality is that there will be many more to follow. More companies will lay off their workers. Where does it end? People are hurting right now. The disabled are usually the minority in this group.
There is one company that is not planning on paying out any unemployment benefits any time soon. That is because they are still hiring for immediate positions. They hire the disabled to work from home doing quality call monitoring. That company is J.Lodge and they are having a huge amount of success. They work with the Ticket to Work Program. So that employees don't have their benefits lost AT ALL. If you are disabled or know anyone who is then check out the website: www.jlodge.com/career
You can tell them Annie told you about this position.
From NY, 11/17/2009
One possibility for people with developmental challenges is 'Camp Hill' communities where disabled 'residents' work along-side volunteer 'coworkers' in an intentional community similar perhaps to a kibbutz. The community usually has a farm, bakery, etc. and strives to be as economically self sufficient as possible. Residents do meaningful work that benefits everybody and participate in a nurturing community life. Maybe it's not the 'real world' as in the open job market, but it is by all accounts fulfilling and enriching for everyone involved.
From San Diego, CA, 11/11/2009
A great organization that finds job opportunities and placements for adults with developmental disabilities in San Diego is called Partnerships With Industry (PWI). One way to help organizations like PWI and their clients is to encourage your workplace to hire a differently-abled adult when a job becomes available. You will be glad you did.
From Schenectady, NY, 11/11/2009
Non-profit agencies who support people with developmental disabilities who work are also suffering as states reduce funding for their services. Ironically these agencies continue to have job openings. Find them through your state department supporting the developmentally disabled. Donate, volunteer, fill a job.
From PA, 11/10/2009
Hi - are there any resources that you could publish for people that want to help in some way (volunteering, financial contributions, etc) - to support programs for people with Mental Disabilities?
Thanks
From Los Angeles, CA, 11/10/2009
Thank you for writing about a segment of our population who don't get much press or attention and who are suffering terribly due to cutbacks in programs and services, including vocational training and support. Once disabled young adults age out of the public school system there are precious few resources available for them. They, too, need jobs and want to contribute meaningfully to their communities and families. Thanks for bringing this issue to the forefront.
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