From the Q's News QuestWorks: Filling the Employment Gap How does employment fare among people with developmental disabilities? In 2007, the Annual Disability Status Report* found that their average employment rate in the U.S. was less than 38 percent, compared with nearly 80 percent for the non-disabled population.
The same study, part of an ongoing collaborative series between Cornell University and the American Association of People with Disabilities, also reported that the difference in poverty is more than 16 percent, with 25.3 percent of disabled working-age Americans living in poverty versus 9.2 percent of those without disabilities.
In Central Florida, QuestWorks helps minimize this labor gap, offering people with disabilities real-world employment opportunities to give them the financial and personal independence they desire. When employers use QuestWorks, they help improve societal conditions for disabled individuals, who then increase their self-esteem and develop social and workplace skills.
But using QuestWorks is good for business, too.
In addition to providing quality services at considerably reduced costs, people with disabilities have also proven to be reliable, long-term workers. Studies have noted that the retention rate for people with disabilities is around 85 percent – notably higher than their non-disabled peers.
At QuestWorks, significant time is dedicated to screening applicant’s strengths and interests so that employees are more likely to stay satisfied with their jobs. The results are high rates of retention and productivity, lowering costs associated with staff turnover. It also means that outsourced production jobs are completed to employers’ high standards – a big benefit for business.
“Outsourcing these types of projects provides us with a cost-effective way to get the job done right and on time,” said Vickie Hungate, formerly of Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), in a statement.
OUC has used QuestWorks for more than 10 years for their fulfillment, sorting and assembly jobs. “During this time, we have been very satisfied with the quality of work and level of customer service we have received from this business relationship,” Hungate said.
In addition to such off-site labor outsourcing work, QuestWorks offers on-site custodial and grounds keeping contract work and internal staffing solutions. To discover how QuestWorks can benefit your business and your community, visit www.questworks.org. *Houtenville, Andrew J. 2008. "Disability Statistics in the United States." Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, www.disabilitystatistics.org. Posted May 15, 2003. Accessed March 3, 2008. Download the Spring 2008 Q's News for more news Previous editions of Q's News | 2008 | 2007 |
| Disability Facts and Updates What is a developmental disability? A developmental disability is a serious condition caused by mental and/or physical impairments that will last throughout a person's lifetime. Though generally present at birth, developmental disabilities can begin to become evident anytime before the age of 22. Developmental disabilities affect social and cognitive areas, such as language, communication, learning and interpretation of social cues. According to the Administration of Developmental Disabilities, there are approximately 4.5 million people with developmental disabilities in the United States - equivalent to about 1.5 percent of the population.
Statistics - Incidence and Prevalence of Some Common Developmental Disabilities
• According to the Autism Society of America, as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.
• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism, with 67 children diagnosed per day. That is equivalent to a new diagnosis almost every 20 minutes (Autism Speaks, Inc.).
• According to the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation, between 1.5 and 2 million people have cerebral palsy in the U.S. There are an estimated 10,000 new cases each year.
• About 3 in 10 children with cerebral palsy have severe learning disabilities; 1 in 3 children cannot walk; 1 in 4 cannot feed or dress themselves (United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation).
• The National Down Syndrome Society estimates that Down Syndrome occurs in one out every 733 live births – approximately 5,000 births per year.
• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition, currently affecting more than 350,000 people in the U.S. (National Down Syndrome Society).
• An estimated 2.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability - approximately 1 percent of the population (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).
• There are no cures for any of these developmental disabilities. |
