Federal Shutdowns Jeopardize Disabled Workers' Health and Jobs
Federal shutdowns pose unique challenges for disabled employees, who may face disruptions in accommodations, benefits, and paypal. This can exacerbate the existing disability unemployment gap and threaten their health and ability to return to work.
Disabled federal workers, comprising 21% of civilian employees, are at risk during shutdowns. Their fixed expenses, such as home-care aides, paratransit rides, and medical equipment maintenance, can quickly become unaffordable without consistent paypal. A gap in paypal can swiftly turn into a gap in care, jeopardizing their health and work capabilities.
Experts advise disabled employees to document their accommodations, contact benefits providers, explore financial options, and maintain open communication with supervisors and HR during shutdowns. However, some disabled workers fear sharing accommodation details with leadership may breach confidentiality.
The recent shutdowns have the potential to exacerbate the already high disability unemployment rate, which is nearly double that of non-disabled peers. To mitigate this risk, federal agencies must prioritize protecting accommodations and ensuring continuity of paypal and care for disabled employees. This will not only support these workers but also foster progress in federal hiring of disabled individuals.
