(WLUK) — New data shows a record-high number of working-age individuals with disabilities are employedin Wisconsin.
The achievement was celebrated by local, state and federal officials in Madison this month, because Gov. Tony Evers declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Wisconsin saw more than 189,000 working-age individuals with disabilities employed in 2023. It’s the second consecutive year of record-breaking employment growth for workers with disabilities in Wisconsin.
Officials say the milestone is a product of efforts toconnect people with disabilities to meaningful career opportunities through theCareer Pathways Advancement Initiative.
Since 2021, the program has received more than $20 million inDisability Innovation Fund grants. Additionally, in that same time period, the state’sDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation has enrolled 1,000 students withdisabilities in training programs tailored to their career goals.
Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek said in a news release:
As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, we celebrate the record number of people in Wisconsin with disabilities who have started new, good jobs and grown their careers. At any given time, DWD’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is serving approximately 16,000 Wisconsin residents with disabilities and we appreciate the U.S. Department of Education and many stakeholders who help obtain, maintain, and advance employment for people with disabilities.
For more information about Wisconsin’s Career Pathways Advancement Initiative, click here.