ATLANTA, GA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 1, 2008 -- The recent economic downturn and alarming rise in unemployment has placed a heavier burden upon America's labor pool, of whom the nation's largest minority group, individuals with disabilities, faces crushing odds amid wide-ranging misconceptions. In fact, of the 51 million people with disabilities, only 35 percent report being employed full or part time, compared to 78 percent of those who do not have a disability(1).

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is releasing "Disability in Our Daily Lives," a national study gauging the perception of people with disabilities in the American workplace. The research shows more than eight-tenths (86 percent) of survey respondents felt people with disabilities face hiring limitations. In fact, among numerous barriers facing this population, respondents cited cost of accommodating (54 percent), lack of knowledge about accommodations (53 percent) and insufficient knowledge of people with disabilities (49 percent) among reasons why employers are reluctant to hire from the disability talent pool.

"The challenge that workers with disabilities are facing isn't their disability," said Wayne McMillan, president and CEO of BDI. "The challenge is dispelling myths and preconceptions about accommodations and competency. In reality, this population performs at a high level and can provide a tremendous value in the workplace."

Diversity Training Makes a Difference

New BDI survey results show that more than two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) have never participated in diversity training, whether at past or current jobs. As a result, more than one-quarter (26 percent) of respondents admit they are uncomfortable when interacting with people with disabilities or even avoid interaction.

Take the Disability 101 Challenge Today: In an effort to dispel myths and communicate the advantages of hiring people with disabilities, the Bobby Dodd Institute is launching its third annual Disability 101 Challenge, encouraging businesses to participate in free disability awareness training. During the month of October, the educational resource center will be featured on the Bobby Dodd Institute's central Web site, www.bobbydodd.org, offering online workshops at no cost to businesses nationwide.

By completing Disability 101 training, business leaders will arm themselves with the critical knowledge necessary to make their workplace inclusive. Key topics include: basic disability facts; understanding the barriers and how to promote accessibility; learning communication tips and inclusion strategies; and understanding and implementing guidelines associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Through diversity training and direct workplace experience with people with disabilities, BDI hopes to show business leaders this group is ready, willing and able to work. New research supporting this principle shows, of the respondents who have worked alongside a person with a disability, eight-in-ten (82 percent) believe workers with disabilities have performed as well as a non-disabled colleague in the same position.

"Businesses committed to employing people with disabilities are able to recognize the aptitude and dedication that workers with disabilities possess," said McMillan. "As the paradigm shifts, policy leaders will need to begin searching for solutions to open doors on a public level as well. By working together with corporate and public leaders, we hope to create a truly vibrant, diverse and welcoming community."

Reexamining the Americans with Disabilities Act

The 18-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a critical piece of legislation that created life-enhancing accessibility standards in the American workplace and communities. While the act represented a step toward the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society, inadequate enforcement and lack of coverage prompted Congress to recently pass new legislation that clarifies and strengthens the original scope of ADA protections.

According to the BDI survey, "Disability in Our Daily Lives," the majority of Americans are supportive of policy changes to make public spaces more welcoming to people with disabilities. Respondents would like to extend permitted use of service animals (76 percent) and allow the use of wheelchair alternatives such as Segways (56 percent) in public venues. The public is also calling for changes that would allow people with hearing impairments to receive or convey vital information in medical settings (72 percent) and captioning for emergency announcements in stadiums (57 percent).

During October, BDI encourages businesses to assess their accessibility and inclusivity by participating in Disability 101 at www.bobbydodd.org or contact Megan Branch at 678-365-0072.

About the Survey/Methodology

From August 25th to September 2nd, 2008 Kelton Research conducted 1,000 nationwide online interviews among adults 18 years or older. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The overall margin of error for this study is +/-3.10 at the 95% confidence level. Margins for subgroups are slightly higher.

About Bobby Dodd Institute

The Bobby Dodd Institute is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to maximize their potential by securing economic self-sufficiency, independence and integration into society. For the past 18 years, BDI has provided vocational evaluation, training, job placement and case management to persons with disabilities. To find out more about BDI's career services and employment programs visit www.bobbydodd.org.

(1) 2004 National Organization on Disability/Harris Poll

     Contact:
     Megan Branch
     Bobby Dodd Institute
     678-365-0072
      
     Melanie Nellis
     Brand Resources Group
     678-996-2009