People with autism and other disabilities are valuable members of the work force. But experts say they sometimes have difficulty securing employment because of accessibility and attitudinal barriers.

Despite the majority of people with disabilities reporting that they want to work, a National Organization on Disability poll found that only three out of 10 adults with disabilities actually do. Given today’s economy, it’s more challenging than ever for people with disabilities to secure jobs.

Analysts say those numbers can leave both business and consumers at a loss, since adults with disabilities can add to the level of diversity in the workplace and help companies thrive, even in tough economic times.

“Too many businesses don’t take the hiring risk—we embrace it,” said Larree Renda, executive vice president for Safeway, a company that employs more than 10,000 adults with disabilities. “It’s important to include people with disabilities in the work force, providing opportunities for them to earn a living, become independent, be part of the team and take pride in a job well done.”

This year, the grocery retailer topped the $100 million mark for lifetime contributions to Easter Seals, a leading provider of services to people living with autism and other disabilities.

So how can companies work to hire more people with disabilities? Experts say it helps to connect with organizations that provide job training and employment services to people with disabilities.

Also, in most cases, businesses only need to make simple workplace accommodations or provide minor assistive technology devices to be accessible to employees with disabilities.

Demographic shifts over the next 30 years are expected to dramatically change the employment picture in the United States, possibly resulting in an unmet demand for workers in certain industries.

As baby boomers retirethe Employment Policy Foundation estimates that 61 million current workers will leave the work force. Experts say hiring people who have disabilities could help employers fill that void with skilled, motivated and loyal workers.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.