Workforce Development
Creating Opportunities and Fulfilling Promises of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion BY KATHY STOEBERL AND JENNY DU PONT
AS THE COUNTRY STRUGGLES with an ongoing labor shortage, there is an entire population of working-age adults who want jobs but struggle to find opportunities suitable for their talents and abilities. As a general rule, both in Delaware and across the country, individuals who are blind or visually impaired or have other disabilities tend to be underrepresented in the workplace. Delaware is home to more than 19,200 blind or visually impaired adults among a total of 124,000 adults with disabilities. Only approximately 46
one-quarter of Delawareans who are disabled are employed, and their median annual income is just under $27,000, which is $11,000 less than the median income for non-disabled adults. Too often, members of the disabled community are defined by their perceived limitations rather than their very real capabilities. This does not have to be the case. As of last summer, Delaware—long a champion of workforce development and job creation—has a new kid on the block focused on bringing training, opportunities, and jobs to this underMarc h / Ap r i l 2 0 2 2
| DELAWARE BUSINESS
