New Book By UB Employment Expert Helps People With Disabilities Find Work

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A new law that will allow millions of disabled people to work without losing health benefits has made a new book by a University at Buffalo career planning expert an especially valuable -- and timely -- resource for those with disabilities.

Disability groups estimate that more than two million people will take advantage of The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, signed today (Dec. 17, 1999) by President Bill Clinton, which expands Medicare and Medicaid benefits to include disabled people while they work. Clinton has called the action the most significant milestone for the disabled since the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

"Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities," (JIST, 1999) by Daniel J. Ryan, director of the UB Office of Career Planning and Placement, offers these new job seekers a comprehensive resource that explores specific job-search issues faced by people with disabilities and offers step-by-step instructions to help them promote themselves into their career choice. Ryan serves as chair of the career-planning special interest group of the Association for Higher Education and Disabilities and the career services technology chair for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

A lifetime advocate for people with disabilities, Ryan says that the new law is a great triumph for people with disabilities, but that discrimination against them still exists in today's workforce.

"These individuals not only have to compete against all other applicants for jobs, they also must overcome the hurdle of convincing others -- and sometimes themselves -- that they are capable, valuable workers," explains Ryan. "Disabilities also can block the career paths of many individuals who have much to contribute to today's workforce."

In the book, Ryan encourages readers to address issues relating to their disability, but stresses that they should play only a very minor role in the overall job search. The book also covers the rights and protection the law provides to disabled persons and identifies agencies and governmental programs that provide assistance, as well as offering tips on how to negotiate for special accommodations on the job.

Ryan says that currently 30 percent of people with disabilities are employed, compared with 80 percent of those without disabilities. He adds that people with disabilities are close to three times as likely to reside in a household with less than $15,000 in total income. He hopes the book will encourage people with disabilities to pursue the career of their choice, as well as provide them with a comprehensive reference during the job-search process.

Ryan, also an adjunct assistant professor of educational leadership and policy at UB, has written numerous works on disabilities, career issues, and job searches for professional and consumer publications.

A graduate of Canisius College, Ryan holds a doctoral degree from UB.