In fact, during the recent recession, it deteriorated five times as badly as did employment for the rest of American workers. While the non-disability workforce shrank by about 2 percent, for people with disabilities, the number working fell by over 10 percent. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the picture has remained grim as the economy has begun its recovery: While 3 million new jobs were added to the able-bodied work force, workers with disabilities have seen their ranks shrink further.
The chief voice spreading the word about this depressing situation is Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, the chairman of the health, education, labor and pensions committee, and a long-time passionate advocate for those with disabilities.
