Advocacy Day for Access & Independence aims to unlock employment barriers for individuals with disabilities in South Carolina

The South Carolina Employment First Initiative is thrilled to participate in Advocacy Day for Access and Independence at the South Carolina State House. This event will take place onApril 26, 2017, from 9:30AM to 12:30PM. The day’s events will feature speakers from the disability community, an advocacy rally, and an opportunity for attendees to meet with their legislators about their concerns as a person with a disability or an ally/advocate.

Advocacy Day for Access & Independence is an initiative of more than 20 organizations statewide all unified in an effort to ensure people with disabilities have equal access and opportunity. People with disabilities face unnecessary and discriminatory barriers to transportation, employment, healthcare, and housing. Advocacy Day for Access and Independence will shine a light on these barriers in hopes of improving the lives of all South Carolinians.

Despite South Carolina’s unemployment rate falling below 4.5%, over 68% of working-age residents with disabilities do not participate in the labor market. The SC Employment First Initiative hopes to utilize Advocacy Day as a platform to address employment barriers such as subminimum wage and to advocate for competitive, integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

“Individuals with disabilities are capable and ready for employment, with valuable skills and insight that South Carolina cannot afford to overlook. Ensuring equal access to inclusive and competitive work creates opportunities for the disability community to decrease reliance on government benefits and lead fulfilling, independent lives,” stated Sandy Jordan, Director of Employment Programs at Able South Carolina.

Please join us as we advocate for inclusive employment with competitive pay for individuals with disabilities. Registration is free and open to the public. T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event. To register, please click here.

The purpose of the South Carolina Employment First Initiative is to increase competitive, integrated employment outcomes for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The South Carolina Employment First Initiative is accomplishing this goal through the work of the South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition and collaboration with thirteen Project Partners. The South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition is coordinated by Able South Carolina and made possible by funding from the SC Developmental Disabilities Council and the Administration for Community Living at the US Department of Health and Human Services.