Fact: The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that there are more than three million adults aged 18 to 69 who have a serious mental illness. Estimates of unemployment among this group are between 70% and 90%, a rate higher than for any other group of people with disabilities in the U.S. Recent surveys report that approximately 70% of those with psychiatric problems rank work as an important goal. (NAMI, 1996-1999) )

ment with the support necessary to deal pro-actively with opportunities and barriers. Employment is considered a key factor in achieving and maintaining independence. The topic of work and disability is important to persons with a disability as well as policy makers, advocates, unions, employers, and the general public. However, Katherine Seelman, Ph.D, Director of NIDRR, points out that due to lack of information, it is difficult "... to assess the numbers of people working at different types of jobs, in different social settings, with different degrees of disability and different types of accommodations."¹⁷

The following tables illustrate some of the significant findings by the NIDRR on work, disability, and mental disorders. This information provides an overall picture of disability in which depressive disorders are subsumed:¹⁸

 

 

Figure 2. Employment is lower for people with a disability and much lower for those with a severe disability.

 

 

 

 

 

   

Source: McNeil (1997), American with Disabilities: 1994-1995.

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/disable.html

Survey: SIPP, 1994-1995

 

The social security administration has two insurance programs which provide benefits to working-age individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These insurance benefits are federal government programs. SSDI provides monthly benefits to disabled workers and their dependents. An individual is eligible through compulsory tax on earnings. SSI provides income support to people over 65, blind or disabled adults, and blind or disabled children who have little or no income or other financial resources. SSI is need based.