The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has issued a notice of proposed priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) on employment of individuals with disabilities. The notice highlights that current unemployment rates for people ages 25 to 54 are approximately two times higher for individuals with disabilities compared to individuals without disabilities and that the average yearly wage for individuals with disabilities is about $10,000 less than individuals without disabilities. The notice seeks to propose a priority for a DRRP that would “contribute to the outcomes of increased employment rates, hours of paid work, earnings and other compensation for individuals with disabilities as well as improved job and career satisfaction and other work-related outcomes for individuals with disabilities.” Suggested research activities include the impact of government policies and general workplace policies on employment for individuals with disabilities, the use of technology to “support improved employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities,” policies to improve the employment situation of transition-aged youth with disabilities, and research of current vocational rehabilitation practices. The proposed priorities may be used for the current as well as later fiscal years. Comments on the notice are due May 29, 2012. [Source: NIDRR]
Additional Information:
NIDRR Announcement
[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-04-26/html/2012-10010.htm]
