Supervisor Yee calls hearing on employment needs for older adults and adults with disabilities

Supervisor Norman Yee on March 20, 2018 announced he will call a hearing to evaluate the city’s current programs and gaps in employment services for older adults and adults with disabilities.

Yee said ageism and ableism present barriers to work and financial security, and he cited Department of Aging and Adult Services figures indicating the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities was approximately 16 percent as of February 2016. He said about 61 percent of older San Franciscans lack basic economic security and that many seniors live on fixed incomes that have not kept pace with the cost of living.

The hearing’s purpose is to assess city resources connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to employment, training and job matches. Yee requested presentations from the Mayor’s Office on Disability, the Department of Aging and Adult Services, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. He also noted the city’s pilot participation in the National Reserve Employment Program and cited an upcoming community forum co‑hosted by the Community Living Campaign and DAS.

Why it matters: Employment contributes to financial stability and social inclusion for older adults and adults with disabilities. Supervisor Yee framed the hearing as an opportunity to identify gaps, potential expansions, and outreach strategies for employers and service providers.

Next steps: City departments listed by the supervisor have been asked to prepare reports and appear at the hearing to outline current programs, outcomes and resource needs.