Issue: Recovery has finally become a core component of all mental health services. Employment plays a significant role in enhancing recovery, contributing to overall life satisfaction, and integrating people within their community. However, the current unemployment rate amongst people with psychiatric disabilities remains at least at 85% as it has been for many years now, while employment rates for those with other disabilities has dropped in recent years.

Action: Additional funding must be provided for supported employment - a proven, evidence-based best practice – as well as vocational rehabilitation to help facilitate competitive, integrated employment. Concerning employers, more must be to done to educate and promote various tax incentives available to their business, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Empire Zones, for hiring people with disabilities. Promotion and publicity of existing incentives and programs, such as the Medicaid Buy-In and Ticket to Work, are necessary to educate people with disabilities about returning to work without losing their benefits. Lastly, improved coordination and adequate funding must be provided to state agencies responsible for promoting workforce development for people living with disabilities.