Maggie Jackson writes in the Boston Globe that teens with disabilities are largely shut out of the summer job market this year, and all of society will lose out.A recent study found that only 17 percent of Massachusetts high school students with disabilities found jobs, compared with 31 percent of those without disabilities. The disparity grew wider after graduation, with only 25 percent of those with disabilities working, as compared with 62 percent of young people without disabilities.
"… And who are the losers? We all are. Along with ignoring a pool of good workers, we as a society miss out on the chance to help willing youngsters gain work experience that leads to independence in adulthood. Teens with disabilities who work during high school are four times as likely to graduate, according to data compiled by the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
… And many can contribute, studies show. Adult workers with disabilities had fewer scheduled absences than those without disabilities, and nearly identical job performance ratings, according to one recent study of large Chicago-area retail, hospitality, and healthcare companies. Costs associated with hiring them were minimal, company administrators reported."
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