By Angelo Santabarbara
For the daily newspaper
In the course of an unprecedented year, many of us are all aware of the difficulties that can come with finding and maintaining a steady, well-paying job.
However, for adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental disorder, this already difficult endeavor can be complicated by a host of additional obstacles.
People with disabilities play an essential role in our workforce and deserve a fair chance of success. That’s why, in honor of this year’s New York State Assembly Disabled Legislative Day, I helped pass a package of laws designed to remove these barriers to employment so all New Yorkers can follow their dreams and live full lives.
People with disabilities are often overlooked in job opportunities due to the wrong assumptions made by employers that they cannot do their jobs properly.
According to a number of studies and data sets, adults with autism are 75% to 85% unemployed. Even those who have graduated from college are alarmingly more likely to be underemployed or unemployed than their peers.
This is a sad reality that keeps capable people from entering the world of work. Adults with a disability deserve the same opportunities to support themselves and their families as anyone else.
In order to break down this barrier, we need more than a culture of awareness. We need acceptance and incentives to get us there. The New York State Assembly recently passed bill providing a tax credit of $ 5,000 to $ 25,000 for small businesses that employ people with disabilities (A.3960 of 2021).
This credit would be available to companies with fewer than 100 employees who employ a disabled person for at least six months, doing at least 35 hours per week.
To further combat discriminatory employment practices, I have tabled a bill that aims to place 5% of government contracts with companies whose employees 15% are people with disabilities (A.2593).
The bill would involve conducting a nationwide study to determine if there is a discrepancy between the number of qualified firms that can perform government contracts and the number of firms actually employed, and to identify any changes that may be required.
Another bill passed would ensure the rights of state employees to New York State to compensation for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (A.7121) Sue. .
Not only will this give adults with disabilities more room to maneuver, but it will also discourage employers from using discriminatory recruitment and workplace practices.
In addition, this legislative package included a measure to promote general accessibility in everyday life for people with disabilities, such as re-establishing the Office of Lawyers for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities receive services and support in an appropriate manner so that they can make informed decisions and be able to make decisions (A.3130).
Much more is needed on our part to make substantial changes possible for the thousands of adults with autism. Aside from changing parts of our law to promote fair and fulfilling employment opportunities, we must support the myriad of organizations and nonprofits that have the connections and the framework to provide all the resources to people with autism and their families that they need for their success. In this year’s New York State Budget, I am proud that my work with local attorneys for the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region secured important funding in support of the Gig Works program. Gig Works is an innovative program that fosters connections between employers and people with autism while creating a support system that helps these people find their way around the workforce.
Whether a person is looking for meaningful employment or an apprenticeship program, we must do everything we can to ensure that New Yorkers with disabilities are treated fairly and equally.
People with disabilities make up a significant proportion of our workforce and deserve the same opportunities and protection that are given to all employees.
I am confident that with practical policy initiatives like the ones we have established here in New York State, we can develop a stronger framework for a more equitable and inclusive society.
As chairman of the New York State Assembly Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, I welcome all of your questions and concerns. Please contact my office at 518-382-2941 or email me at [email protected] You can also find information on my website at www.nyassembly.gov/Santabarbara.
Angelo Santabarbara is a member of the State Assembly that represents the 111th district.
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Categories: Guest Column, Opinion
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