The Nation - News from Aug. 16, 1989

Disabled workers’ job opportunities and earning power dropped sharply between 1980-81 and 1988, the Census Bureau reported. In that period, the share of disabled men who work full time dropped to 23.4% from 29.8% and their earnings fell to 64% of that for all workers from 77%. The share of disabled women employed full time rose to 13.1% from 11.4%, but their earnings rate fell to 62% from 69%. Similar declines were reported for part-time workers. Average earnings of disabled males rose to $15,497 from $12,579 in 1980, but the average for all male workers rose to $24,095 from $16,362. The wages of disabled women rose to $8,075, compared to a $13,000 average for all women. Fear of losing Medicare and Medicaid protection discourages disabled persons from working, a spokesman for the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped said.