'Live in Our Shoes for a Day': A Study of Hoosiers Leaving the Workforce Due to Disability

A car accident. A cancer diagnosis. Any event causing severe post-traumatic stress disorder. A disabling condition could happen to any of us, at any given moment. In fact, a young worker at the age of twenty has approximately a one in four chance of experiencing a significant disabling condition before retiring. Whether temporary or long-term, disabling conditions that take an individual out of the workforce can lead to months, years, or even a lifetime of financial instability.

This study examines the experiences of individuals who leave the workforce due to disabling conditions by centering their voices and experiences. It highlights statistics and research studies to illustrate the need for policy reforms and programs that help Hoosiers with disabilities stay on the job, remain financially stable when a transition out of the workforce is needed, and return to the workforce when they are able to do so.   

September 2024 | Report PDF 

Lead Author: Ashley Phillips, Community Needs Analyst | Contact Ashley

 Cover showing report title and image of workers' shoes

 

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The Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute is proud to host Roshawn Neal as a policy fellow for 2024-2025. Roshawn shared her own personal journey on our blog and is a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities. Roshawn's fellowship is supported by the Herbert Simon Family Foundation.