Oregon Rehabilitation Association

The Employment of
Individuals With Disabilities:
An Economic Gain for Oregon

Results of an 8/94 Economic Impact Study of ORS 279.015 & 279.835-.855

It's More Than the Law...

It's Just Good Business--And Here's the Proof!

In 1977 Oregon passed a law allowing public agencies to directly negotiate with non-profit Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (QRFs) serving people with severe disabilities to provide goods and services (ORS 279.015, 279.835-.855). The law creates a partnership that results in jobs, increased independence, and a greater self-worth for Oregon's citizens with disabilities.

Contracts with over 100 public agencies exceed $21 million annually: More than 2,000 workers with disabilities sort the state's mail, provide temporary services, clean hundreds of public buildings and universities, manufacture eyeglasses, plastic bags, and dry goods, to mention just some of their activities.

Quality products and services are just a part of the picture. People with severe disabilities have the highest unemployment rate of any group in America, over 66% according to a 1994 Harris Poll.

The Products of Disabled Individuals Law provides ongoing jobs at fair wages, and those wages in turn reduce the public supports once received by these workers.

A survey of this program demonstrated that:

  • 1/3 of workers with disabilities no longer required public supports, including funding for training, welfare, and food stamps.
  • In all, public supports are reduced by more than $4 million each year (See graph).
  • 7% of those involved were homeless prior to this employment opportunity.
  • Prior to this program, 72% were unemployed, over half for 12 months or more.
  • These workers' state and federal tax payments now exceed $1 million annually.
  • 456 workers achieved unsubsidized employment last year. If placed with Oregon VRD funds, the cost would have exceeded $1.5 million.

For every dollar spent by Oregon's public agencies in the purchase of goods and services from QRFs, more than $.35 returns in the form of reduced public supports and increases in payroll taxes from workers with disabilities.

With over 2,000 workers involved, this equals a $4.6 million reduction in public subsidies annually.

To find out what the employees of Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities can do for you, contact:

Oregon Rehabilitation Association 1655 25th St. SE Salem, OR 97302 (503) 585-3337 smock@oregonrehabilitation.org

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