The latest study on disability and employment, a Hollywood star starts a new I/DD foundation, and more developmental disability news for the week ending Aug. 9, 2024.

Spotlight on Employment

Making news this week is The Rockefeller Institute’s just-released report on employment for people with disabilities.

People with disabilities, its executive summary states, are less likely to be employed than their peers, and when they are employed work fewer hours for lower wages. The report focuses on an “understudied barrier,” which is the employment disincentive created through eligibility rules for public benefits programs.

Here’s a quick look at its 3 key findings:

• Prevalence of missing information and misinformation: Eligibility requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), other benefits, and employment programs are complicated. Many people lack adequate information on how to navigate them and rely on outdated or incorrect information when making employment decisions.
• Administrative burden: These are the costs associated with applying for and maintaining access to government services for the person receiving services. Administrative burden encompasses not only the time and effort of applying for and maintaining benefits but also adds to the stress and fear of losing those benefits.
• Risk aversion: The combination of misinformation, partial information, and administrative burden contributes to risk aversion — or the unwillingness to take risks even when the expected outcome of the risk is significantly better than the expected outcome without the risk — among people with disabilities who rely on public benefits. Risk aversion is most associated with the fear of losing health insurance.

Check out the whole report here: Stepping Away From the Benefits Cliff: Policy Strategies to Support Employment for People with Disabilities in New York State (Rockinst.org)

Additionally, Empire Report published a piece co-written by Maureen O’Brien of the NYS Industries for the Disabled and Michael Seereiter of the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation that tackles the report from a New York perspective: Another Barrier for New Yorkers with Disabilities Remains to be Overcome in 2025.

New York

Barista with autism evades homelessness thanks to NYC’s Café Joyeux Café Joyeux is a great example of how businesses can step up to employ people with disabilities. (New York Post) The Boost recently wrote about its New York location, its first outside of Europe : Europe’s Inclusive Café Joyeux Opens First Spot in New York City

Outside of New York

As Justice admin delays funding, West Virginia group homes to close and displace adults with disabilities (Westvirginiawatch.com)

DOJ Releases Scathing Report on Texas’ Juvenile Justice Facilities (Governing.com)

Illinois faces backlash over bid to end oversight of disability services The state falls short of promises made to allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live outside of institutions. (Capitolnewsillinoiscom)

Education

Researchers: Higher Special Ed Funding Not Tied to Better Outcomes An early look at research coming out of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab. (The74million.org)

More on Employment

Overtime Mandate Has Disability Providers Considering Service Cuts, Advocates Say The U.S. Dept. of Labor is incrementally increasing the salary threshold at which employees are eligible for overtime pay under a new rule that took effect this summer. (Disability Scoop)

Accessibility

Walmart To Offer Carts For Shoppers With Disabilities At Every Store (Disability Scoop)

Across the Pond

New autism ‘passport’ to help people find work This interesting resource contains advice on transitioning from school to higher education, benefits and job interviews. (BBC)

Technology

Sensor headset allows teen to control devices with his thoughts This Toronto teen uses a brain computer interface (BCI) that translates his thoughts into control of technology, and “it’s giving him a new sense of agency.” (Bloom Blog)

Celebrity

Colin Farrell channels son James’ Angelman syndrome to launch new foundation The star unveiled his eponymous Colin Farrell Foundation, which seeks to benefit people living with intellectual disabilities and their families. (Los Angeles Times)