Unemployment among people with disabilities reached its highest rate in June since the government began tracking such data, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The rate of unemployment grew to 14.3 percent in June for people with disabilities. That’s the highest unemployment rate since the government began keeping disability specific employment records in October 2008. The highest rate previously seen was 14 percent in February. However, in May, unemployment was at 13.7 percent for this population.
Meanwhile, unemployment also rose in June among the rest of the population, reaching 9.5 percent, a 26-year high. These numbers are not seasonally adjusted.
The Department of Labor began tracking employment for people with disabilities in October 2008. The data covers people with disabilities over the age of 16 who do not live in institutions. The first employment report specific to this population was made available in February. Now, reports are released monthly.
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And this is why the word needs to get out. Youth with disabilities need to stay in school through their 21st birthday, get usable job training while they are there, if high functioning, at a vocational school or college whild still in high school and equip themselves for when the recession breaks and if not, switch their SSI from child to adult when they are 18 so they have something to sustain them until they are ready. That way they can ride this out and be ahead of more typical students.
High unemployment has always been a problem for people with disabilities. It is worse now than ever, but not just for them. Remember though: Healthcare is always hiring. Teachers will be the first ones hired back,even before the recession turns loose. Get two certifications, one in special ed. and stay away from early childhood. (Not many jobs. Very competitive and they are going to pick the cute teachers first.) If you are able to get training in one of those fields the jobs will be easier to get. Oh, and people always need a hair cut or style! My friend has clients who budget for their hair, even in the recession. He has ADHD and it is a perfect field for him.