With over 54 million Americans having some sort of disability, it's not surprising to find that people with disabilities also make up our largest untapped labor force.  The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is approximately 70%.  Just two decades ago, persons with disabilities had few, if any, opportunities to secure meaningful employment.  Today, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the California Department of Rehabilitation Individual Supported Employment program, and local service providers like UCP/WORK, Inc., and Work Training Programs, approximately 175,000 Californians with disabilities are now productive, working, taxpaying members of society in jobs that suit their interests, skills and potential.

Several recent surveys agree that there is a great deal of support for the ADA. In one survey (Global Strategy Group, Inc.), a sample of 300 Chief Executive Officers and Human Resources managers in Fortune 500 companies related to manufacturing, technology and communications, found that 87% of companies with over 200 employees are hiring people with disabilities.  Of the people who make hiring decisions for these companies, 54% say that the ADA has had a positive impact on their corporations.  The CEO of a major restaurant chain stated that at the Culinary Institute in San Francisco, students are encouraged to "cultivate the disabled community" if they are looking for long term, loyal employees.

A Work, Inc Success Story

On any given day, you may find Luis Prado assisting you to your car with groceries purchased at Ralph's in downtown Santa Barbara.  Luis holds the esteemed title of Wrapper of the Year; which he gained by beating out other courtesy clerks at a competition in bagging groceries, a countywide title. 

Luis enrolled with UCP/WORK, Inc..  With several work opportunities offered, Luis chose to work with the Santa Barbara Harbor Crew, maintaining all of the restrooms and public areas at the Harbor; the crewmembers gain skills in janitorial maintenance, communication skills, and learn to work as a team.

After several years, Luis gained the work skills and confidence to request a job out in the community. In 2001, Luis became a courtesy clerk at Ralph's, and continues to be successfully employed.

If you are interested in hiring individual with disabilities, or have questions about how to get involved in community outreach, call UCP/WORK, Inc., at (805) 566-9000, or click here to learn more about UCP/WORK, Inc.