According to a recent survey conducted by the World Health Organization, there are now a billion people worldwide who are living with a disability. More than 20% are living in situations where they lack basic supports that they need to function.
As Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO points out, "Disability is part of the human condition, Almost every one of us will be permanently or temporarily disabled at some point in life. We must do more to break the barriers which segregate people with disabilities, in many cases forcing them to the margins of society."
Worldwide, many countries lack the infrastructure to provide basic supports needed by individuals with disability. Even in the U.S. and more specifically in Dallas, obstacles remain. In fact, unemployment rates among people with disabilities is much higher than in people without disabilities.
The Center for an Accessible Society points out that about 30% of people with disabilities are unemployed in the US virtually the same percentage as prior to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A fact that the center attributes to a lack of understanding of disability and in prejudices based on inaccuracies and myths.
In Dallas people with disabilities seeking employment can apply for services with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. several offices are located in the Dallas area. The mandate of DARS is to assist people with disabilities in becoming employed. Information of location of offices and contact numbers can be found here.
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