Employment

The unemployment rate for the disability community is disproportionately high, creating a cycle of exclusion and economic disparities. These pieces cover the need to expand employment opportunities and end workplace discrimination.

Photo of a smartphone, a notebook and pen, and a cup of coffee on a wooden table. Written in the notebook is "internship, experience, learning, exposure, practice."

Why Internships Are Important for Young Disabled People: A Reflection from a Rooted in Rights Intern

My experience interning at Rooted In Rights was a great one. During my time there, I gained a lot of skills I can use in the workplace. Here’s just some of what I learned and accomplished: Have a Professional Email…

A graduation cap on a pile of American coins.

Here’s Why Student Loan Debt is a Disability Rights Issue

When Cara Liebowitz graduated from the City University of New York School of Professional Studies in 2016 with her MA in Disability Studies, she was already on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) so she found it surprisingly easy to have her …

Campaigners protest against raids on sex workers in London

Sex Work is a Disability Issue. So Why Doesn’t the Disability Community Recognize That?

Sex workers face enormous risks of violence both from the police and from clients, and they are about to face more.

Idyllic open road leading toward setting sun with 2019 written on the road with a big forward pointing arrow.

Reflecting on the Disability Community’s Shake-Ups and Important Moments of 2018

2018 is coming to a close, and what a year it’s been for the disability community. To recognize and recap all the the shake-ups and important moments that transpired within the past year, Rooted in Rights co-hosted a Twitter chat…

Woman sitting at her laptop with her head in her hands and her hair over her face.

Disabled People are Worth More Than the Hours We Can Work

It was my fourth day of teaching robotics to middle schoolers and during morning session, one of my students pointed to the sticker beneath my collarbone. He traced it to the knot of cords dangling beside my hip and then…

A maze made out of U.S. $100 bills on a blue background.

For Disabled People, the Path to Employment is Still a Maze

Luck, an unusually high tolerance for throwing myself into the disquieting unknown, and a measure of family privilege have allowed me to forge a path through the working world that is best described as an erratic squiggle. A long arch…

VIDEO: Willing to Work

It’s a jungle out there for job-seekers with disabilities! Wilbert Johnson tells us how he was able to get his dream job and provides tips for fellow job-seekers. …

Bird sitting alone on a wire, with groups of other birds surrounding it.

What Does Inclusion Actually Look Like in the Workplace?

Until I was pushed out after needing surgery that took me over a year to recover from, I worked for an organization tasked with advancing women in their careers. But their efforts weren’t for disabled women with disabilities like me.…

A photo of a toilet paper dispenser with toilet paper coming out of it. On the toilet paper it says "shit happens."

Disabled People Can Work in the Sh*ttiest Situations

Content note: this blog post contains profanity. I shit my pants this morning getting out of bed. Literally, I felt it just ready to rip as I swung my legs over the edge of my wooden bed. My chin went…