Disabled workers always in recession

NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- In recognition of Labor Day, the National Organization on Disability salutes nine U.S. companies that have recognized and hired Americans with disabilities.

The National Organization on Disability, a non-profit organization that promotes the full participation of America's 54 million people with disabilities, says among all working-age people with disabilities, only 21 percent say they are employed full- or part-time, compared to 59 percent of people without disabilities.

"These (nine) companies are breaking new ground in employment best practices -- and are reaping the benefits of a diverse and remarkably productive workforce," Carol Glazer, president of the National Organization on Disability, says in a statement.

The companies recognized are Sam's Club for convening a consortium of businesses and assisting members in increasing awareness and opportunities for people with disabilities; JB Hunt, the first employer to join the consortium to make connections to disability placement agencies for 50 new positions; Tyson Foods for training recruiting managers, and Lowe's, which has had a long-time commitment to hiring people with disabilities.

In addition, Aetna, which is building a pipeline of candidates with disabilities for open positions; Sodexo, which identified 15 sites to recruit candidates with disabilities; ADP for identifying and recruiting qualified job candidates with disabilities; Saint Barnabus Health Care System, for committing to hiring people with disabilities and Toys "R" Us for disability employment efforts in two of their distribution centers.