Disability Employment Incentive Act (H.R. 3992)
In honor of the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), House Representatives Josh Harder and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced the Disability Employment Incentive Act (DEIA). If passed, this bipartisan bill would encourage businesses to employ more workers with disabilities, including veterans, by doubling three existing tax credits for businesses that employ disabled workers.
The DEIA would double the maximum value of the...
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit;
- Disability Access Expenditures Tax Credit;
- Architectural and Transportation Barrier Tax Credit.
This will incentivize...
- Both small and large employers to hire and retain people with disabilities;
- Encourage workplace accessibility.
According to data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2017, over 900k non-institutionalized disabled persons aged 21 to 64 years in the United States, were actively looking for work (Erickson, Lee, & von Schrader, 2017), further highlighting the need for legislative action. On the front line and behind the scenes, occupational therapy practitioners have a key role in ensuring independence, participation, and engagement in meaningful occupations. Once employers are encouraged to hire people with disabilities, they will experience the impressive skill set and professionalism of the disability workforce. It is our duty to advocate for the disability community, and support such legislation as this.
Calls to Action from Leaders of Advocacy
“Unemployment rate for people with disabilities consistently double that of the non-disabled population.”
Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President of the United Spinal Association
.
“People with disabilities want and deserve the same opportunities to work as everyone else, but prejudice has prevented a lot of these folks from getting a job and making the money they need to support their independence.”
Rep. Josh Harder
.
“Incentivizing employers to hire qualified individuals with disabilities will promote growth and equity in the workplace.”
Rep. Fitzpatrick
.
“Too many people with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed, despite the fact they would like to work.”
Nicole Jorwic, Senior Director of Public Policy, The Arc of the United States
.
“People with disabilities deserve the chance to build a life for themselves in the communities which they choose to live.”
Barack Obama
You can take a stand and encourage support this important bill!
Contact your local legislator here, and urge them to sign on!
Harder, Fitzpatrick Announce Bipartisan Bill to Get Jobs for People with Disabilities. (2019, July). Representative Josh Harder Media Press. Retrieved from https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/harder-fitzpatrick-announce-bipartisan-bill-get-jobs-people-disabilities
United Spinal Association. (2019). Hiring people with disabilities. Kew Gardens, NY. Retrieved fromhttps://www.unitedspinal.org/hiring-people-with-disabilities/
Cowen, L., Rapalyea, M., & Kornblau, B. (2019, November). Disability Employment Incentive Act (H.R. 3992). Retrieved from https://www.otonthehill.com/take-action