Opinion: Unemployment may be dropping in Colorado, but for at least one vulnerable group it’s rising

Here’s a challenge to all business owners and business leaders in Colorado: Seek opportunities to employ people who have disabilities.

by Lloyd Lewis

In April, May and June of last year, Colorado’s unemployment rate was well over 11%. Thankfully, as we have started to come out of the pandemic, that number has fallen considerably, down to 6.2% as of May. Soon, I hope, we will return to pre-COVID numbers — between 2.5% and 3%.

However, there is a population in our state with unemployment figures that are not decreasing, and in fact, are on the rise.

Here is the sobering truth: Today, 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed.

Read this op-ed by Lloyd in the Colorado Sun.