Employment of the Handicapped

Abstract

TO FURTHER IMPLEMENT the efforts of the American Medical Association, * and other groups, in disseminating knowledge to employers and to the general public concerning this problem, the Council presents the following material. Employers have not, as yet, fully recognized the presence of a large reservoir of unused manpower, which has a very valuable contribution to make. Comprehensive and documented studies (see reference list) of the performance of the handicapped have repeatedly shown excellent job performance, as well as less absenteeism and better safety records than in comparable groups of able-bodied workers. In most circumstances, such employment does not lead to increased workmen's compensation costs. Factual material can do much to correct the many misconceptions and rumors surrounding this entire subject. There is, therefore, a continuing need to disseminate these facts as widely as possible. The principle of evaluating ability , rather than disability, of a potential employee deserves continued emphasis. The phrase an equal opportunity