Why Work is Beneficial To People with Disabilities

There are many reasons why people with disabilities do not choose to return to or enter the workforce. However, research has shown that people with disabilities who are employed are healthier and happier than their counterparts. Below is a listing of some reasons why.

• The workplace is a way to meet people and expand social networks. Work acts as a training opportunity for the enhancement and development of social skills, and provides its own safety net for people with disabilities. The support needed and provided by co-workers can elevate an individual’s life experience from one of isolation to one of relatedness.
• As employment of people with disabilities increases, the barriers of stigma, class bias, and discrimination will also diminish. Many service providers assist consumers and their families to understand what community employment is, and assist people with disabilities in finding work that will positively impact that individual's life.
• Skills learned and developed during employment (managing stress and uncertainty, communicating with others, delegating physical and psychological symptoms to a place of less influence and importance) can be used as coping mechanisms during times of unemployment. It is a normal part of a working life to be unemployed at different times.
• It has been shown that long-term unemployment contributes to depression, feelings of worthlessness, self-pity, self-absorption, higher risk of substance abuse, greater chance of isolation, and poverty. Ultimately, unemployment can be more harmful to the health of people with disabilities than the stresses of employment.

	MassHealth/CommonHealth is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides benefits for disabled children, working and non-working adults who have disabilities. Learn more about the eligibility and application process; view a presentation on the Ticket to Work MassHealth and CommonHealth programs.
	Massachusetts Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Grant (MI-CEO). For additional information and resources visit one of the other three grant websites: Policy Makers and Advocates- www.mi-ceo.org/ Direct Service Providers- www.MassWorks.org/ Employers- www.ForEmployers.com/