Advocates push for more paid work for New Yorkers with disabilities

# What happened Advocates for people with disabilities in New York are pressing for more paid employment opportunities after a recent look at the economic role of nonprofit disability service providers. The Rockefeller Institute of Government estimated those providers generated more than $15.5 billion in economic activity in the state in 2023. That activity produced over $2 billion in federal and state tax revenue.

# Who's speaking up Maureen O'Brien, president and CEO of New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), highlighted two facts: a high unemployment rate for people with disabilities in New York and strong voter support for expanding employment programs. NYSID reports a 67% unemployment rate for people with disabilities in the state. The organization also commissioned a survey of 1,000 registered New York voters that showed bipartisan backing for creating more job opportunities for this population.

# A worker's perspective Adam Barnes, who has Asperger's syndrome, recently marked his first year as a production worker at Human Technologies in Utica. Barnes has a master's degree in museum studies and said he tried to find museum work but hadn't been able to secure a position. At Human Technologies, he said supervisors use his attention to detail and reliability. He also noted that his employment contributes to tax revenue and lowers reliance on public benefits.

# What advocates want Advocates plan direct lobbying and public outreach. Barnes will be among people traveling to Washington to speak with lawmakers. One concrete policy priority is making permanent elements of the Preferred Source Law, which allows employees with disabilities to perform work on certain government contracts. Advocates argue that such laws and stable funding help place people with disabilities in paid work and produce measurable economic returns for the state.

# Why this matters economically and politically

# Immediate next steps

# Bottom line The combination of a documented economic footprint, high unemployment among people with disabilities, and public support gives advocates a clear set of arguments for expanding employment programs and protections. Policy moves under discussion include making Preferred Source Law provisions permanent and increasing program capacity so more job seekers with disabilities can find paid work that matches their skills.