Employment gives workers self-esteem. Employment can contribute to productivity and happiness. Only one in every four of all Americans with disabilities has a full-time job. Employers generally feel that people with disabilities are good employees. Workers with disabilities may be more reliable on the job than many workers without disabilities.
Supported employment is a way to help people with more severe disabilities get and maintain a job.
Segregated work settings are being phased-out. Productive work helps people achieve independence. Employment promotes empowerment and choice. Employment increases the number of Americans paying taxes. According to the 1991 Lou Harris Poll, more than 8 million Americans with disabilities, ages 16-64, want to work but cannot find employment.