Discrimination reduces employability and related well being among individuals with disabilities: How public health education can help

Disability has been described as the number one health problem facing the nation and directly affects almost 20% of the population. Traditionally Public Health professionals have emphasized ways to forestall disability, but more recently have recognized the need to also address the on-going health needs of people with disabilities. Although data confirm that working can improve the physical and mental health of people with disabilities, a common public misconception is that once someone is identified as disabled, particularly through enrollment in a federal disability program (e.g., SSI or SSDI), they can no longer work. This misconception leads to discrimination and can impede employment and, thus, negatively affect the physical and mental health of people with disabilities. Community education by Public Health professionals could demonstrate how people with disabilities can remain active, taxpaying citizens who contribute to their work and community environments and could alter negative individual and employer perceptions of disability that lead to discrimination. Presented here is a case study of participants in Kansas' Medicaid Buy-In program, Working Healthy, which enables people with disabilities to work and maintain Medicaid benefits. Evidence of the quantitative and qualitative benefits of work for people with disabilities enrolled in this program is presented. Focus group findings of program enrollees and other community members that document barriers to employment with emphasis on cases when public misconceptions about disability led to overt employment discrimination are discussed in relation to potential and current Public Health education efforts.