Accessing the World of Work: Concerns of African Americans ...



Accessing the World of Work: Concerns of African Americans with Disabilities Actively Seeking Employment

Advocacy and Empowerment for Minorities Program

Institute of Disability and Human Development

University of Illinois at Chicago

Kimberly Hall, M.A.

Fabricio Balcazar, Ph.D.

August 15, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Events and Procedures

II. Results Ranked by Importance

III. Employment Concerns Brief Report

IV. Employment Concerns Discussion Report

V. Table I: Demographic Characteristics of the Sample

VI. Table II: Vocational Characteristics of the Sample

VII. Appendix A: Sample Survey

VIII. Public Meeting Announcement

3

4

5

6-16

17-18

19-20

21-24

25

Events and ProcedureS

Event 1: Working Group

Procedure: Step 1 – Identified working group participants from the target population from a pool of participants in a previous study on a similar topic.

Step 2 – Each working group member nominated 20 items from the Employment Concerns Item Index for inclusion on the survey.

Step 3 – Discussed items selected by working group members and decided on the 30 most important issues to include as items on the survey.

Participants: Eleven African Americans with disabilities participated in the working group. There were six females and five males ranging in age from 19 to 57. Disability type varied with 5 having a physical disability, one with a sensory impairment, 1 had a learning disability, 1 had a mental disability, and 2 had multiple disabilities. All had at least a high school education and 2 had earned a college degree.

Event 2: Survey Administration

Procedure: Step 1 – Participants were recruited from 4 local Division of Rehabilitation Service offices and a job fair for people with disabilities.

Step 2 – The Employment Concerns Survey was administered in a group setting with completion time ranging from 30 to 90 minutes.

Step 3 – Following completion of the survey, participants were compensated $15 and reimbursed $5 for transportation.

Participants: Two hundred and ten African Americans with disabilities completed the Employment Concerns Survey (see Table 1 for a description of the participants).

Event 3: Town Hall Meeting

Procedure: Step 1 – Survey participants and rehabilitation counselors from the local Division of Rehabilitation Service offices were invited to attend the meeting.

Step 2 – Meeting attendees discussed the dimensions of the major concerns identified through the survey and suggested alternatives for addressing them.

Step 3 – The minutes from the meeting were recorded and reviewed for feedback.

Participants: There were 28 attendees at the Town Hall meeting. Among the 28 attendees, there were 20 survey participants, 3 rehabilitation counselors, 1 administrator from the Department of Human Services, and 4 members of the Advocacy and Empowerment Program staff.

RESULTS RANKED BY IMPORTANCE

SURVEY ITEM

The education and training you receive prepares you for a job. S

You are qualified for jobs that pay more than minimum wage. S

You are confident in your own potential to work. S

Employers follow up with you after you apply or interview for jobs. P

You have reliable transportation to and from work. S

You are aware of your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Your skills and interests are evaluated accurately.

You have adequate health insurance while you are working. P

You have transportation to places where the jobs are like the suburbs. P

Career counselors are competent and professional when interacting with clients. P

You have access to information about your rights as a person with a disability.

The ADA improves job opportunities for African Americans with disabilities.

You can afford costs related to starting a new job such as money for transportation, clothes, tools or other equipment, etc. P

You can afford to pay for the education you want. P

You are qualified to do work that will not interfere with your health. S

You are able to choose the type of job training you receive.

You have accurate information about job openings you are interested in.

You have access to information about employment services.

Job placements are available for positions that pay enough money to make a good living.

Agencies address your needs as a person with a disability.

You have opportunities to receive paid job-training.

You receive up-to-date, marketable job-training.

Employers give you the same consideration as people without disabilities.

You receive reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Job placement agencies are able to place most people in jobs.

The time and effort you put into participating in job fairs is worthwhile.

You know about job fairs before they occur.

You are an equal partner in planning vocational rehabilitation services.

Job placement assignments are permanent and long-term, not temporary.

You have access to affordable and quality childcare.

Mean IMPORTANCE Rating

84%

83%

83%

83%

81%

81%

80%

80%

80%

80%

79%

79%

79%

79%

78%

78%

78%

77%

77%

76%

76%

75%

75%

74%

74%

73%

73%

72%

67%

55%

MEAN SATISFACTION

RATING

77%

80%

78%

53%

75%

72%

74%

64%

60%

48%

72%

70%

63%

54%

75%

70%

66%

70%

65%

67%

65%

70%

66%

68%

63%

66%

63%

66%

63%

59%

sItem was identified as an employment strength. PItem was identified as an employment problem.

EMPLOYMENT CONCERNS Brief Report

TOP STRENGTHS AND TOP PROBLEMS (N=210)

SURVEY ITEM

MEAN

IMPORTANCE

RATING

MEAN

SATISFACTION

RATING

Relative Strengths

The education and training you receive prepares you for a job.

You are qualified for jobs that pay more than minimum wage.

You are confident in your own potential to work.

You have reliable transportation to and from work.

You are qualified to do work that will not interfere with your health.

Relative Problems

Employers follow up with you after you apply or interview for jobs.

You have adequate health insurance while you are working.

You have transportation to places where the jobs are like the suburbs.

Vocational counselors are competent and professional when interacting with clients.

You can afford costs related to starting a new job such as money transportation, clothes, tools or other equipment, etc.

You can afford to pay for the education you want.

84%

83%

83%

81%

78%

83%

80%

80%

80%

79%

79%

77%

80%

78%

75%

75%

53%

64%

60%

48%

63%

54%

EMPLOYMENT CONCERNS DISCUSSION REPORT

Item

Employers follow up with you after you apply or interview for jobs.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

53%

Mean Importance Rating

83%

Discussion of Problem

Once employers find out an applicant is disabled they do not call.

People do not know their rights about disclosing disability status.

Employers who advertise opportunities at job fairs for people with disabilities never follow up.

People with visible disabilities are most affected by this problem.

Repeated experiences with employers who do not follow-up is discouraging.

Discussion of Solutions

When applicants disclose their disability status, they should assure prospective employers that they can perform job duties. They must sell an employer on their abilities.

Applicants should become aware of and promote incentives to employers for hiring people with disabilities.

If a prospective employer is perceived as insensitive, invite a representative of that company to speak to a disability group about employment.

Find out laws and rights regarding disclosing disability status.

Report employers who discriminate to the EEOC.

Advocacy groups need to encourage and assist disabled job applicants in enforcing laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.

Job applicants should be assertive and keep calling or go to the job site.

Applicants should ask when they should expect a call back and be persistent.

Pursue employment with companies known to hire people with disabilities.

Item

You have adequate health insurance while you are working.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

64%

Mean Importance Rating

80%

Discussion of Problem

Employers are reluctant to hire people with disabilities because they fear their insurance premiums will go up.

It’s unclear how long and to what extent health insurance is provided to SSA benefit recipients who obtain employment.

People with disabilities cannot afford health insurance.

People with disabilities cannot buy health insurance because of their disability and/or pre-existing condition.

Obtaining life insurance is also problematic since insurance companies discriminate based on disability and premiums are more expensive for people with disabilities.

Discussion of Solutions

People with disabilities should form/join consumer groups to advocate for national health insurance.

Consumers can set up health insurance cooperatives as they did in Los Angeles.

Educate consumers about the availability of supplemental insurance.

Contact benefit specialists who can provide clarity on the insurance coverage for people with disabilities who are working.

Attend city council meetings and petition for city funds to help with medical expenses.

Write government officials about health care issues.

Get information from and make use of the state insurance commissioner’s office.

Locate sources of free or low-cost health care for persons with disabilities: make a directory of these resources.

Item

You have transportation to places where the jobs are like the suburbs.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

60%

Mean Importance Rating

80%

Discussion of Problem

Many living wage jobs are in the suburbs of Chicago and the CTA, which most Chicagoans rely on for public transportation, does not travel to the suburbs.

Weekend and evening transportation is a problem with the Pace buses, which operate in the suburbs.

Not everyone with a disability is eligible for paratransit (door-to-door) service, and some who are deemed seasonal riders that can only use the service during the winter months

Employers and social network members think your lazy and do not want to work if you do not accept a job because of where it located.

People who do not have their own vehicles are most affected.

Discussion of Solutions

Ask the employer if other employees live in the city and try to develop a carpool.

Become a subscription paratransit rider.

Form a local task force on transportation, decide what local citizens with disabilities need to commute and fight for it.

Develop a share-a-fare system as they did in Kansas City, MO where 900 wheelchair users a month participate.

Item

Vocational counselors are competent and professional when interacting with clients.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

48%

Mean Importance Rating

80%

Discussion of Problem

Counselors do not treat customers with respect.

Service providers fail to inform customers about all services available to them through their own agency, other agencies, and the community.

Counselors are not consistent in terms of the resources (e.g., clothing vouchers) they provide to customers.

Customers are not clear about the counselors’ role in helping to find employment.

Counselors’ failure to help customers find jobs deters long-term participation.

With many seasoned counselors taking early retirement, new counselors appear to be learning on the job at the expense of customers.

Agencies do not inform customers when their cases are transferred to new counselors.

Rules and criteria change so much that customers and potential customers are confused.

Discussion of Solutions

Educate consumers on using the Client Assistance Program if they have complaints about their counselor and/or are dissatisfied with services.

Provide counselors training on dealing with people who have different disabilities and those from different racial and ethnic groups.

Counselors and clients should let their expectations and limitations be known up front.

Provide corrective feedback and information to service providers that fail to inform clients about benefits to people with disabilities.

Customers should be informed in writing when they are being transferred to a new counselor, when agency policies change, and when new services become available.

Organize a consumer group to meet regularly with agency representatives to advocate for customers.

Item

You can afford costs related to starting a new job such as money for transportation, clothes, tools or other equipment, etc

Mean Satisfaction Rating

63%

Mean Importance Rating

79%

Discussion of Problem

People do not have the money to pay for transportation to work when they are hired or need to get to an interview.

People do not have the money to buy uniforms or work clothes when they first get a new job.

Some counselors are reluctant to give bus passes and clothing vouchers even though they are available.

Discussion of Alternatives

Service providers should inform all customers of policies regarding the availability of assistance with transportation and work attire.

Organize and request assistance with needed resources from appropriate agencies.

People can budget their money to ensure they can get to work until they get their first paycheck.

New hires should borrow money from friends of family members until they are paid.

Counselors could go shopping with participants if they fear vouchers will be used inappropriately.

Item

You can afford to pay for the education you want.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

54%

Mean Importance Rating

79%

Discussion of Problem

Those who want to go to school to become better qualified for job can not because tuition costs for post-secondary education are too high.

Admission application fees are expensive.

The Division of Rehabilitation Service is too selective when deciding who they will pay for to go to school.

There are so many other things to pay for in addition to tuition such as computers, books, supplies, and transportation.

Limited access to higher education leaves people stuck in the market for unskilled, low-paying jobs.

People with low-income and those without higher education are most affected.

Discussion of Alternatives

Educate consumers about the resources available to assist with education costs and train them to self-advocate.

Talk to vocational and financial aid counselors about financial aid options.

Try to convince rehabilitation counselors to approve education costs.

Item

The education and training you receive prepares you for a job.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

77%

Mean Importance Rating

84%

Discussion of Strength

People are better qualified for jobs after going to school or receiving job training.

Job-training programs that assist with job placement are the most successful.

Receiving an education opens the doors to more employment opportunities and increased wages.

Alternatives

Customers who are successful in reaching higher education goals should communicate their success with agencies who provide the support and advocate that it be extended to others.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services should continue supporting customers who want to go to school.

There should more opportunities for assistance with paying for higher education.

Job training programs should provide training opportunities for those jobs that are available in the current job market and provide a living wage.

More opportunities for paid job training should be available.

Item

You are qualified for jobs that pay more than minimum wage.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

80%

Mean Importance Rating

83%

Discussion of Strength

Consumers feel they have the skills necessary for jobs that pay a living wage, although there is room for improvement.

People with disabilities recognize the need to get jobs that pay more than minimum wage so they do not have to rely on Social Security, welfare or other to support them.

Alternatives

Counselors and other service providers should recognize and encourage customers’ self-confidence.

Service providers should work with customers to become employed in the types of jobs they desire and are qualified for.

People with disabilities should capitalize on their confidence by using it as an impetus to obtain and maintain employment.

Consumers need to realistic about their qualifications and seek additional training and education to pursue the jobs they want.

Item

You are confident in your own potential to work.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

78%

Mean Importance Rating

83%

Discussion of Strength

Consumers believe they are capable of working despite the fact that they have a disability.

People with disabilities who want to work focus on their positive beliefs about self as a coping strategy when they have negative experiences with employers and service providers.

Alternatives

Service providers should reinforce customers’ positive beliefs about their ability to work.

People should translate their confidence into action and take the steps necessary to obtain employment.

Consumers should communicate their confidence when dealing with prospective employers.

People with disabilities should be supportive of their peers and encourage them to be self-confident as well.

Item

You have reliable transportation to and from work.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

75%

Mean Importance Rating

81%

Discussion of Strength

Most Chicagoans with disabilities can count on the CTA to get them destinations around the city.

Some people have vehicles that have been outfitted so that they can operate them in spite of their disability.

Alternatives

Write letters and organize to improve public transportation to and around the suburbs of Chicago.

People with disabilities should advocate that the CTA has working lifts on all buses and accessible train stations throughout the city.

Individual who have their own vehicles should be supportive of others and cooperate in efforts to form carpools.

Item

You are qualified to do work that will not interfere with your health or disability.

Mean Satisfaction Rating

75%

Mean Importance Rating

78%

Discussion of Strength

Even though people have disabilities, they are confident that there are jobs they could perform that would not jeopardize their health.

Many people with disabilities have jobs despite the fact that they are disabled.

Knowledge of other people with the same disability being employed is reassuring.

People need to become aware of accommodations available to them in the workplace and request them when necessary.

Alternatives

Service providers should help customers identify careers that will not compromise their health or exacerbate their disabling condition.

People with disabilities should apply for jobs they have the ability to perform even if they need a reasonable accommodation.

Consumers should be educated on what constitutes a reasonable accommodation in the workplace and the types of accommodations that are relevant to the specific disability.

Agencies that service people with disabilities should provide training on advocating for accommodations in the workplace.

Table 1

Demographic Characteristics of the Sample (N = 210)

Characteristic %

Age

18-19 8%

20-29 18%

30-39 25%

40-49 36%

50-59 11%

60-65 2%

Sex

Male 58%

Female 42%

Marital Status

Single 74%

Divorced 12%

Married 14%

Children

None 48%

1 or more 52%

Living Situation

With others in private dwelling 61%

Alone in private dwelling 29%

Residential center 7%

Nursing home 4%

Education

Less than high school 20%

High school diploma 32%

Some college 20%

College degree 15%

Vocational/Trade School 13%

Table 1 (continued)

Characteristic %

Income Source

SSI or SSDI 55%

Job 16%

Family 14%

Self-Employment 12%

Other Disability Benefits 5%

TANF/Welfare 5%

Disability Type

Physical 66%

Cognitive 16%

Sensory 10%

Mental 8%

Disability onset

Congenital 27%

Gradual 51%

Sudden 22%

Primary transportation source

CTA 65%

Private Vehicle 23%

Paratransit 10%

Other 2%

Taxis 1%

Table 2

Vocational Characteristics of the Sample (N = 210)

Characteristic %

Current employment status

Unemployed, but looking 69%

Employed and still looking 24%

Not seeking employment 7%

Ever worked before

Yes 85%

No 15%

Worked prior to disability

Yes 62%

No 18%

N/A 20%

Capacity to do same type of work

Yes 19%

No 39%

N/A 42%

Length of time looking for work

Less than 6 months 32%

6 months to 1 year 27%

More than 1 year 34%

(Not looking) 7%

Table 2 (continued)

Characteristic %

Length of time since last job

Less than 6 months 16%

6 months to 1 year 12%

More than 1 year 33%

(Currently working) 24%

(Never worked) 15%

Ever utilized rehabilitation services

Yes 58%

No 42%

Currently receiving rehabilitation services

Yes 36%

No 64%

Sample Survey

EMPLOYMENT CONCERNS SURVEY

1. What is your age?

2. What is your sex? ( Male ( Female

3. What is your marital status?

1. Single, never married

2. Married

3. Divorced

4. Separated

5. Widowed

6. Other (specify):

4. Do you have any children?

( Yes ( No

(If yes, do they live with you?

( Yes ( No

5. Are you responsible for providing childcare or “babysitting” your own or someone else’s children? ( Yes ( No

(If yes, could you make other arrangements if you were working?

( Yes ( No

6. What is your current living arrangement?

❑ Alone in a house or apartment

❑ With others in a house or apartment

❑ Community Residential Center

❑ Nursing Home

❑ Other (specify):

7. Circle your highest level of education completed:

Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Some college Trade/vocational school

2-yr. College degree 4-yr. College degree

Post-graduate degree

8. What kind of disability do you have?

Make an “X” in this column for each disability that you have.

Make an “X” in this column for the ONE disability that affects you the most.

7. ( Arthritis

8. ( Asthma, bronchitis or emphysema

9. ( Back problems

10. ( Blindness/Visual Impairment

11. ( Cancer

12. ( Cerebral Palsy

13. ( Chronic kidney trouble

14. ( Diabetes

15. ( Dismemberment (e.g. amputee)

16. ( Eating Disorder

17. ( Epilepsy

18. ( Gallbladder condition

19. ( Hearing Impairment/Deaf

20. ( Heart/Cardiovascular Problems

21. ( Hernia

22. ( HIV or AIDS

23. ( Learning disability

24. ( Liver condition

25. ( Mental retardation/Cognitive Disability

26. ( Mental Illness/EBD

27. ( Multiple sclerosis

28. ( Muscular dystrophy

29. ( Neurological Impairment

30. ( Post-polio

31. ( Speech and language disorder

32. ( Spina Bifida

33. ( Spinal Cord Injury

34. ( Stroke

35. ( Substance Abuse

36. ( Thyroid problem

37. ( Traumatic Brain Injury

( ( Other:

When did you get your disability?

38. At birth

39. Gradually (over time)

40. Suddenly

What sources of income do you receive?

Mark all that apply.

41. Paycheck from a job

42. Money from family members

43. Social Security (SSI or SSDI)

44. Disability Benefits (VA, workers compensation, private insurance)

45. Temporary Aid to Needy Families

46. Self-Employed

❑ Other:

Do you have medical insurance?

( Yes ( No

(If yes, who provides it?

❑ Employer

❑ Family member’s insurance policy

❑ Department of Human Services (DHS) or Public Aid

❑ Social Security Administration (SSA)

❑ Veteran’s Administration

❑ Other:

13. If you are/were working right now, what is/would be your main source of transportation? Check only ONE.

( Drive own vehicle

( Drive someone else’s vehicle

( Rides from family members or friends

( CTA buses or trains

( Paratransit Vans

( Taxis

( Other:

14. Have you ever worked at a job that you had to interviewed for?

( Yes ( No

15. Did you work before you had your disability?

( Yes ( No ( N/A (born with disability or acquired before age 16)

(If yes, are you able to do the same type of work?

( Yes ( No

16. How much does your disability limit your ability to find a job?

( A lot ( Somewhat ( A little ( Not at all

17. How much does your disability limit your ability to keep a job?

( A lot ( Somewhat ( A little ( Not at all

18. What is your current employment status?

Full-time

Part-time

❑ Unemployed, but looking

❑ Unemployed, but not looking

19. If you are not working right now or are working but still want another job, how long have you been looking?

Less than six months

❑ Six months to one year

❑ More than one year

❑ Not looking

20. If you are not working right now, how long has it been since your last job?

❑ Less than 6 months

❑ 6 months to 1 year

❑ More than one year

❑ I am working

❑ Never worked

Please rate each of the following items. First, rate its importance to you and then rate your satisfaction that it is true. Indicate your response by circling the appropriate number. If you find an item that does not apply to you, leave both columns blank.

1. The education and training you receive prepares you for a job.

2. You can afford to pay for the education you want.

3. You are confident in your own potential to work.

4. You are qualified for jobs that pay more than minimum wage.

5. You are qualified to do work that will not interfere with your health.

6. You have adequate health insurance while you are working.

7. You have access to affordable and quality childcare.

8. You have reliable transportation to and from work.

9. You have transportation to places where the jobs are like the suburb.

10. You have access to information about employment services.

11. You have access to information about your rights as a person with a disability.

12. Agencies address your needs as a person with a disability.

13. You are an equal partner in planning vocational rehabilitation services.

How IMPORTANT

is it to you that…

Not Very

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

How satisfied

are you that…

Not Very

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

14. Vocational counselors are competent and professional when interacting with clients.

15. Your skills and interests are evaluated accurately.

16. You are able to choose the type of job training you receive.

17. You receive up-to-date, marketable job training.

18. You have opportunities to receive paid job-training.

19. Placement agencies are able to place most people in jobs.

20. Job placement assignments are permanent and long-term, not temporary.

21. Job placements are available for positions that pay enough to make a good living.

You know about job fairs before they occur.

The time and effort you put into participating in job fairs is worthwhile.

You have accurate information about job openings you are interested in.

22. Employers follow-up with you after you apply or interview for a job.

23. Employers give you the same consideration as people without disabilities.

24. You can afford costs related to starting a new job such as money for transportation, clothes, tools or other equipment, etc.

25. You receive reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

26. You are aware of your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

27. The ADA improves job opportunities for African Americans with disabilities.

How IMPORTANT

is it to you that…

Not Very

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

How SATISFIED

are you that…

Not Very

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

Public Meeting Announcement

[pic]

LET’S TALK…

…About the employment needs of African Americans with disabilities. Their problems…and ideas for solutions.

As part of the African Americans with Disabilities Employment Survey, a Town Hall Meeting is being held to discuss the results and develop recommendations.

THE ADVOCACY AND EMPOWERMENT FOR MINORITIES PROGRAM of the University of Illinois at Chicago invites you to come and let your opinion be heard.

Who should attend? Those who want to improve the quality of life for African Americans with disabilities such as…

▪ African Americans with disabilities

▪ Supportive relatives and friends

▪ Service providers

The meeting will be held MONDAY, JULY 26, FROM 1 TO 4PM

in the auditorium of the Institute on Disability and Human Development at 1640 W Roosevelt Road

▪ Lunch will be served at 1

▪ Discussion will begin promptly at 2

R.S.V.P. by 5pm 7/23 to Kimberly Hall: (312) 413-4149

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download