Disabled people fast overcoming handicaps

Grader A: miss

In 2009 the US employment-population ratio for persons with a disability was 19.2%, against 64.5% for persons without one, and about 80% of persons with a disability were outside the labor force. Assistive technology improved, but there is no evidence of disabled people rapidly overcoming their handicaps.

Test: Outcome test: disability employment gap in 2009 was 45 percentage points (19.2% vs 64.5%); no sign of rapid closure.

• Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics - 2009 (BLS) (2010-08-25): Employment-population ratio 19.2% for persons with a disability vs 64.5% without; unemployment 14.5% vs 9.0%.

Grader B: miss

Assistive technology improved (talking GPS, screen readers, early exoskeletons), but disabled people did not rapidly overcome their handicaps; employment and participation gaps persisted.

Test: Outcome test: no measurable closing of disability gaps by 2014.

• AccessWorld: GPS Made Simple, A Review of the Trekker Breeze (2009-03): Talking GPS for blind users ($895) announces intersections and guides to saved landmarks by voice; no obstacle detection. Earlier Trekker reviewed July 2003.
• Wikipedia: ReWalk (accessed 2026-09-28): Israeli powered exoskeleton lets paraplegics stand, walk and climb stairs; FDA hospital use 2011, home use June 2014.