Vermont Work Disability Prevention Summit
The Vermont Work Disability Prevention Summit is a series of meetings (in person and virtual) with a clear charge: create a sustainable model for addressing and preventing work disability in Vermont.
This event is a key initiative of VT RETAIN, hosted by the Vermont Department of Labor, and brings together a carefully curated group of experts from healthcare, government, employment, and non-profit sectors across the state.
Use the navigation menu to review June, October and virtual workgroup session overviews and related materials.
Why a Disability Prevention Summit?
Because this is a NOW opportunity
As RETAIN funding ends, we need a cross-sector solution unique to the needs of Vermonters. The Summit will help us define what that sustainable solution looks like and how to make it happen in Vermont.
Because this is an EQUITY opportunity
Work disability is a major cause of economic and health inequality. Only 38% of Vermonters with disabilities ages 18-64 years are employed versus 79% of those without disabilities.
Because this is a LABOR opportunity
Vermont has untapped potential to expand the workforce. We have one of the highest rates in the U.S. of young people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Work disability is a preventable problem. If the percentage of Vermonters receiving work disability benefits was reduced to the national average, our workforce would increase by 3000 workers.
Because this is a HEALTHCARE opportunity
Unemployment is an independent risk factor for adverse physical and mental health outcomes (including higher rates of depression, suicide, chronic diseases, substance use, and infant mortality) for both the unemployed person and their family.
Because this is a MENTAL HEALTH opportunity
In Vermont, the most common reason for receiving social security disability benefits is a mental health diagnosis. Vermont has the third highest percentage of disabled workers with mental health diagnoses in the U.S. (49%) behind New Hampshire (50%) and Massachusetts (53%). This rate has been increasing in Vermont for more than 20 years.
Because this is an INSURANCE opportunity
Unemployment is associated with increased health care utilization.
Because this is an EMPLOYER opportunity
The longer an employee is out of work for a health condition, the less likely they are to return. Early intervention can improve worker productivity, reduce employee absences, prevent loss of employees, reduce rehiring and retraining costs, and decrease HR time spent on disability paperwork.
