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WORK WORKS FOR ALL: THE SOUTH GEORGIA EMPLOYMENT COLLABORATIVE

PROJECT ABSTRACT

Individuals with disabilities are an important, overlooked part of the labor pool. The disturbing rate of unemployment among individuals with disabilities is 14.5% compared to 9.1% for individuals without disabilities, and the labor participation rate for individuals with disabilities is 21.5% compared to 69.8% for individuals without disabilities. In a 2011 study by Robert Cimera published in the TASH journal, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, findings indicate that supported employees returned an average monthly net benefit to taxpayers of $251 (or an annual net benefit of $3,016.08 per supported employee) and generated a benefit-cost ratio of $1.46 for every dollar spent. The comprehensive research looked at all 231,204 supported employees funded by Vocational Rehabilitation services throughout the entire United States from 2002 to 2007. As a result, the project partners from Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Advocacy Office, Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, provider networks and Employment First Georgia, alongside individuals, families, citizens, and advocates, asked “Why are there not more individuals with disabilities working?”We know the Discovery Process effectively creates an outcomes-based foundation for employment planning, and we know that Customized Employment enables a good match between the strengths, needs and interests of the job candidate and the business needs of the potential employer. Additionally, evidence-based supported employment/individual placement and support achieve quality outcomes. BUT these critical processes are underutilized. Therefore, Work Works for All evolved as one-way to attempt to impact some of these issues in Southern Georgia.

METHOD:

Development of an Employment Collaborative as a resource for job seekers which utilizes social capital in the process of addressing employment for individuals with disabilities. We thrive when we share a sense of belonging and have meaningful connections to others. Social networks have immense value and social connections can change lives. Research indicates that 63% of individuals employed were hired as a result of social networks.

Development of an Employment Collaborative Charter and proposal for the Southeast Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Center which is dedicated to improving competitive employment outcomes for individuals with the most significant disabilities through education, leveraging resources, shared experiences and communication.

For additional information, please contact Nancy Brooks-Lane: 404.861.6190.