4 Steps to Reducing Disability Unemployment

Unemployment among males in the United States hovers around 18%, its highest level since the 1950s (i).  There is evidence of an increased number of men of prime working age entering into disability unemployment programs as well, indicating a trend that has only contributed to the rise in unemployment.  Mr. Damian Paletta of the Wall Street Journal reports that while the Social Security and Medicare are projected to operate through 2029, the disability fund will “run dry” in four to seven years without government intervention, as indicated by government auditors (ii).

Encouraging beneficiaries of Federal and state disability unemployment programs to remain positive and proactive in re-entering the workforce is key in reducing unemployment levels.  Moreover, increasing the rate at which these individuals re-enter the workforce will enable the long-term sustainability of disability programs.  The Disabilities Education Blog has created the following 4 steps to help individuals with disabilities transition from the passivity of unemployment programs to the rewarding stimulation of the workplace.

 

Step 1:  Self Evaluation

The first step is to look inward.  One must set aside personal time to reflect on the power of having complete control over life choices.  The happenings of everyday life cannot be controlled, however tactful decision-making can be exercised to address challenges and overcome them as they occur.

For those with disability, self-evaluation may require the help of an advocate, a caregiver, or disability career management resources to aid in assessment.  In uncovering areas of talent, individuals can gain direction in their career search by pursuing opportunities within their most prominent skill sets.

The Disability Training online store offers many disability training resources to aid in identifying personal passion, work preferences, and developing vision for professional career development.  The Beyond Barriers to Passion and Possibility is one such DVD.   This interactive training tool is hosted by leading disability employment professional Denise Bissonnette and presents key inquiries designed to help individuals with disabilities create a clear and actionable job search.

Most importantly, the Self Evaluation must conclude with setting goals that will lead the individual to a fitting and fulfilling career in an industry of interest.

 

Step 2:  Make Things Actionable

Of course, goals are not useful if they are not attained.  One must make things actionable by considering the finer points necessary for goal attainment.  For example, an individual may create a list of 3 tasks that will enable them to achieve their goal.  This list should include three different actions:

• Immediate: Something that can be done immediately to aid in goal achievement.
• Short Term: Something that can be accomplished in 3 to 5 days.
• Long Term: Something that may take 14 to 90 days or more.

Imagine one conducts a self-evaluation and determines their passion, talents, and work preferences are conducive to a job in telecommunications.  Consider the following example of how to this individual implement immediate, short term, and long term actionable items to find a job in telecommunications (the goal).

• Immediate: Conduct an Internet search for available telecommunications jobs.  Note job requirements and identify areas where specific skills are needed.
• Short Term: Reference your Self Evaluation and determine areas where additional training is necessary to expand current skill sets or build new ones.  Research available training programs and enroll in the one that will expand or build those necessary skill sets.
• Long Term: Commit to your training program and take pride in increasing both work readiness and ability.  Once completed, engage in interviewing processes for the appropriate telecommunications positions.

 

Step 3:  Prepare for Life After Unemployment

Economists have written that a major downfall of the U.S. Federal disability program is that it “provides strong incentives to applicants and beneficiaries to remain permanently out of the labor force,” (iii).  These economists believe that individuals enter the program for good reason at first; however, they become comfortable with being unemployed and suffer a reduction in both ability and marketability as a potential new hire.

Beneficiaries of Federal disability programs can avoid this downward spiral by staying positive and engaging in the steps we’ve covered thus far:  continual self evaluation, goal setting, and persistent goal attainment.

 

Step 4:  Persevere

The most important driver towards employment is perseverance.  To persevere is to remain active in the pursuit of a goal, no matter the difficulties encountered along the way.  One must be ever mindful that each new day is a new opportunity to make significant strides towards finding a job that may lead to an exciting and fulfilling career.  Failure is inevitable, yet it only furthers one’s progress by illustrating specific mistakes that are to be avoided in the future.

Share Your Story with Program Development Associates

Many struggle with the challenge of finding employment.  Maintaining the courage and persistence necessary to find stimulating and rewarding work is very difficult, especially in the tough economic times with which we have faced in recent years.

Program Development Associates invites you to share your thoughts on the employment search, effective disability training programs, and our 4 Steps to Reducing Disability Unemployment on Twitter!  Simply Tweet DisabilityEDU to share your experiences!

(i) http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/men-unemployment-and-disability/?partner=rss&emc=rss

(ii) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703752404576178570674769318.html

(iii) http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/men-unemployment-and-disability/?partner=rss&emc=rss

*Image source:  Leonhardt, David.  Men, Unemployment, and Disability.  http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/men-unemployment-and-disability/?partner=rss&emc=rss