Unemployment and Underemployment of People with Disabilities: An Untapped Resource within the Global Economy

Abstract

Global data indicate people with disabilities have disproportionately high unemployment and underemployment rates, often earn less than those without disabilities, and face barriers to education that further impede access to high-paying jobs. Some of the challenges to social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities include inaccessible physical environments; lack of access to transportation, assistive technology, and high-quality service delivery; communication barriers; discrimination; and stigma within society and the workforce. This chapter provides a clear understanding of the persistent issue of unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities and identifies multiple benefits related to employing individuals with disabilities. Implications for policy and practice to address challenges and barriers to employment and societal inclusion of people with disabilities are presented as a starting point for facilitating global economic growth and stability by tapping into this underutilized resource.