Record #: SR2015-565   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 7/29/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Workforce Development and Audit
Final action: 3/29/2017
Title: Establishment of Task Force on Employment and Economic Opportunity for People with Disabilities
Sponsors: Emanuel, Rahm, Maldonado, Roberto, Lopez, Raymond A.
Topic: CITY COUNCIL - Miscellaneous
Attachments: 1. SR2015-565.pdf, 2. R2015-565.pdf
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR




February 8, 2017





TO THE HONORABLE, THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND AUDIT




Ladies and Gentlemen:

I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Maldonado, a substitute resolution addressing employment and economic development opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

Mayor

Very truly yours,
SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, historically, the City of Chicago, with the cooperation of other governmental units, has committed to increase the employment of persons with disabilities to a rate that is as close as possible to the employment rate of the general adult population; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that twenty percent of Chicago residents have at least one disability; and

WHEREAS, the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities far exceeds that rate for persons without disabilities; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that seventy-nine percent of all persons with disabilities are not working; and

WHEREAS, there are many qualified persons with disabilities who are unable to obtain competitive employment; and,

WHEREAS, there has been a history of barriers to equal employment opportunity for persons with disabilities in Chicago and those barriers continue to exist in the public and the private sectors; and

WHEREAS, while being unemployed can adversely affect anyone's health, there is a disparate effect on people with disabilities due to conditions like anxiety, and chronic diseases like diabetes, heart conditions and obesity being exacerbated and the higher costs for health care; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best social and economic interests of the City of Chicago to expand competitive employment and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago can play a critical role in addressing the employment gap between persons with and without disabi...

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