For the most part, the explanation for such enormous unemployment is more complex. Work disincentives created by the Social Security Disability program make it next to impossible to ease slowly into the job market. While recipients are allowed to receive benefits and earn at the same time, the allowable earnings are much less than the disability payments themselves. Thus, the leap from disability benefit income to earned income is almost impossible to make without financial penalty. Employers' fear is another factor.
Employers are afraid to make social or political mistakes in interviewing potential candidates.
People with disabilities are unsure of how best to address the nature of personal disability. Fear breeds silence. Last year, the employment fair drew more than 70 companies and 800 job seekers with disabilities. Planners expect this year's conference to be even larger. The more than 20 workshops will focus on adaptive technology, cultural diversity, job accommodations, interviewing techniques and other job-seeking skills.