Missouri DDC Employment Initiatives
“Even though persons with developmental disabilities want to go to work and continue to be contributing members to the workforce, national statistics indicate that persons with developmental disabilities experience significantly higher unemployment rates than their peers without disabilities. The Missouri DD Council is committed to supporting many statewide efforts to close this gap so that persons with disabilities are more represented in Missouri’s diverse workforce. The Missouri DD Council invests funds towards statewide efforts that contribute to expanding opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to get and keep competitive jobs in integrated work settings. It is believed that by enhancing knowledge around developmental disabilities, supports and resources for job-seekers and employees with developmental disabilities that this will contribute to more employment opportunities and successes for persons with disabilities in the workplace.”
“Past Council Employment Initiatives:
Asset Development and Financial Education: Â Persons with disabilities have a higher percentage of people who live in poverty than any other minority group in the country. Missouri ranks in the bottom third of all states in the understanding of financial supports that assist persons with disabilities in working their way out of poverty. Benefits planning and employment are just two pieces in this puzzle, the other pieces are asset development and financial education, therefore, the Missouri DD Council is partnering with the TACE, Region 7/University of MO-School of Health Professionals to promote Asset Development and Financial Education for persons with disabilities in our state by offering a variety of opportunities to learn more about this important piece of the puzzle and help people with disabilities learn more about asset development and financial education.”