Donate Today

Make a Difference in the Lives of Tomorrow

The Need

As of July 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics identified that only 29 percent of Americans of working age (between ages 16 and 64) with disabilities participated in the workforce, compared with 75 percent of Americans without a disability. In 2017, the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities was more than twice that for those without a disability—9.2 percent versus 4.2 percent. Many government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy are focused on promoting effective workplace practices to ensure that today’s – and tomorrow’s – workforce engages all people, including people with disabilities. Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act regulations, providing students with disabilities increased exposure to employment is the first step to increasing the labor force participation rate and accelerating the rate of employment of people with disabilities. All Bender Leadership Academy staff obtain FBI, Act 34 and Act 151 Clearances before participating in program delivery.

The transition from youth to adulthood is challenging for almost every young person and this is particularly true for young people with disabilities. Part of a successful future includes finding and keeping employment. There continues to be a dilemma facing youth with disabilities. In spite of supportive legislation (e.g., the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act) and effective practices, many of these youth continue to experience high unemployment as well as insufficient opportunities to obtain competitive employment with the potential of career growth.

Guideposts for Success, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability

Make A Donation

Bender Leadership Academy relies on the generosity of donations from individuals like you to power our mission.

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Which program would you like your donation directed to? *

Select Payment Method

Authorize.Net - Credit Card
Offline Donation

Personal Info

First Name *

Last Name

Is this donation on behalf of a company?

Company Name

Email Address *

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal

Is this a Personal or Business address?

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

Donation Total: $5.00 One Time

Guideposts for Success, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability