**GAO-10-812SP**                      Published: Jul 29, 2010. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)--now in its 20th year--calls for the full participation of individuals with disabilities in society, including the workforce. Yet, many barriers exist that may prevent them from staying connected or returning to employment. For instance, eligibility requirements for receiving public disability benefits or health coverage are not always consistent with helping to keep individuals at work or facilitating their return. Also, employers may not know how to accommodate employees with disabilities or may lack financial incentives to do so. GAO convened a forum on March 16, 2010, to explore policy options and actions that could be taken to help adults with a current or past work history improve their participation in the workforce. Participants included experts and officials representing a variety of views. Prior to the forum, GAO surveyed a larger group of experts to help inform the discussion. Comments expressed during the forum or on the survey do not necessarily represent the views of all participants, the organizations they represent, or GAO.

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## GAO Contacts

Dan Bertoni
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## Office of Public Affairs

Sarah Kaczmarek
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## Topics

Equal Opportunity

Access to health careAid for the disabledCivil rightsDisabilitiesDisability benefitsDisability insuranceEmployee incentivesEmployee trainingEmployees with disabilitiesEmploymentEmployment assistance programsEmployment of the disabledFederal employee disability programsFederal social security programsMedicarePeople with disabilitiesPolicy evaluationPrivate sectorProgram evaluationStrategic planningStakeholder consultations