More than $15.5 billion – that’s what the economic impact of nonprofit disability service providers in New York state was in 2023, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government. And a recent survey commissioned by advocates shows New Yorkers want more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Adam Barnes will soon be celebrating his one-year work anniversary at Human Technologies.
“I have a master’s degree in museum studies, and I have tried to get jobs in the museum field. And I’ve had some interviews. But I’ve never been able to. So, I’ve been lucky to find this job,” he said.
Barnes has Asperger’s syndrome and said he is thankful for the opportunity.
“I like it here because they see my strengths, and they use me for my strengths that are my attention to detail and I get here on time,” he said.
Barnes helps contribute to federal and state tax revenue.
The Rockefeller Institute of Government found that in 2023, more than $2 billion in federal and state tax revenue came from the economic impact of nonprofit disability service providers in New York.
The president of New York State Industries for the Disabled said there is a 67% unemployment rate for people with disabilities in New York state.
“When an individual with a disability is working, they’re contributing to the economy. They are lessening the spending that happens in social programs like Medicaid, Snap, SSDI. So it’s an important economic benefit overall,” said NYSID President and CEO Maureen O’Brien.
She said a survey of 1,000 registered New York state voters showed bipartisan support for creating more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
“It’s always really great to see the positive impact of what we do and what the math is behind that. It’s also really great to see what the general public thinks about what we do, and those numbers were off the charts. The general public and New York voters believe that programs for individuals with disability and employment should be expanded,” she said.
Barnes said he’ll be advocating in the nation’s capital next week.
“Yes, I am serving as the voice for the people who we don’t have the skills that I have. So, I’m pleased to speak on behalf of them. And I know they’re deserving of it. They’re good workers and good people,” he said.
Barnes said he wants to urge lawmakers to pass legislation to help people with disabilities.
Part of that would include making sure elements of the Preferred Source Law are made permanent. It allows employees with disabilities to work on government contracts, like what happens at Human Technologies.