Did you know that in the United States?
An earnings disparity of over $10,000 in median earnings between those with and without disabilities has existed since at least 2008. The disparity has increased in magnitude since 2013.
In 2015, of the US population with disabilities, over half (51.1%) were people in the working ages of 18-64 years old, while 41.2% were 65 and older. Disability in children and youth accounted for 7.2% (ages 5 -17) and 0.4% (under 5 years old).
In 2015, 34.9% of people with disabilities in the US ages 18 - 64 living in the community were employed compared to 76.0% for people without disabilities - a gap of 41.1 percentage points.
Rates of disability increase with age. In the US in 2015, less than 1.0% of the under 5 years old population had a disability. For those ages 5-17, the rate was 5.4%. For ages 18-64, the rate was 10.5%. For people ages 65 and older, 35.4% had a disability.
As parents and educators we have been in situations where children, adolescents, or adults in a learning environment, understand that we must make accommodations to bridge the gap for a balanced learning experience for persons with disabilities.
One of Transformative Educational Development Services (TEDS) goals is to keep the numbers rising for persons with disabilities as productive citizens in society. This mission is not only in the best interest of the persons with disability. Furthermore, it is in the best interest of the community. Everyone has the right to an education and the right to be a contributing human being in our society.
TEDS vision is to see the percentage of persons with disabilities equal the percentage of persons without disabilities. This vision requires the use of special curriculum and technology. This can be accomplished when individuals have a place to go to develop the skills necessary for them to compete in a global economy. TEDS organization is equipped with individuals who have the skill set to complete this goal. The goal however does require a place for individuals to receive the necessary tools, mentoring and to receive the educational requirements. Given the opportunity TEDS would like to meet the goals which includes a facility where individuals can have a place to come to obtain our services.
* Data from the 2015 American Community
Survey (A C S). (B LS). US Census Bureau.
TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES