By George Anderson
Although the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in hiring practices and the workplace, the percentage of disabled people with (and without) jobs has remained relatively flat since the bill was passed.
According to a study conducted by the Harris organization for the National Organization on Disability, only 35 percent of disabled workers were employed full or part-time in 2004. That's up only one percent from 1986 levels.
"Employers still have fears and misconceptions about people with disabilities," said Nancy Starnes, vice president and chief of staff at the National Organization on Disability.
Moderator's Comment: How has the retail industry done in bringing the disabled into the workforce, both at the store and corporate levels? Where do you see room for improvement and how can that be achieved? - George Anderson - Moderator