The anticipation of opening gifts during the holidays is one of the many joys of the season. But as the saying goes, “It’s better to give than receive.” In fact, according to research, helping people and giving things to others can increase your “feel good” chemicals – it’s one of the “quickest and easiest ways to get happier.”
And the good news is, you don’t have to perform huge acts of generosity or make major donations to help someone and increase your own happiness in the process. Even simple acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Consider Helping a Worker or Disabled Person in Need
During the holiday season, there is pressure to give to numerous causes. The familiar red kettles show up outside retail stores, our inboxes get filled with requests to make donations, and organizations hold holiday fundraisers. It can be overwhelming to choose which cause to support. After all, we all have limited funds and time.
This year, we’d like you to consider a cause that doesn’t get much attention – supporting injured workers and those living with disabilities in your community. Did you know that there are approximately 3.5 million work-related injuries and illnesses reported annually? And because underreporting injuries is very common, the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is estimated at 5.6 to 8.4 million each year.
While many injured workers recover and return to work, many others do not. Roughly 10% of occupational injuries result in permanent disabilities. While disabled employees may receive worker’s compensation, benefits are typically 80% of wages after taxes, leaving a gap in income. In addition, many people forgo disability insurance because they cannot afford it, leaving them financially vulnerable after an injury or illness. These lost wages can have devastating long-term financial consequences.
Aside from workplace injuries, more than 1 in 4 (28.7 percent) of adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control, those with disabilities face both employment and healthcare challenges, For instance, 25% have an unmet healthcare need because of cost and only 22.5% of those with disabilities were employed in 2023.
What You Can Do
There are many ways to help injured workers and those with disabilities in your community, including:
Volunteer
- Organizations such as Volunteers of America, a nonprofit provider of housing and supportive living programs for people with disabilities, are always looking for volunteers. You might provide in-home support, deliver Meals on Wheels, or provide administrative support. To learn more, visit https://www.voa.org/volunteer/
- Reach out to someone in your community. If you know of someone in your neighborhood or community that is unemployed due to an injury or illness or is disabled, don’t be afraid to ask them if they could use a helping hand. They might need assistance with errands, transportation, or household chores.
- You can also find volunteer opportunities at volunteermatch.org, which helps match people with specific causes in their communities.
Donate
- The National Association of Injured & Disabled Workers is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of injured and disabled workers and their families by providing resources, support, guidance and financial aid. To learn how you can help, visit https://www.facebook.com/naidw/
Advocate
- When you make your voice heard regarding an issue, you can encourage positive change. For instance, many people with disabilities have difficulty getting from one place to another. And while the Americans with Disabilities Act calls for access to mass transit options, there are always gaps in service. You can encourage continued government support for organizations like Easter Seals Project ACTION that work toward universal transportation access. You might also contact The American Association of People with Disabilities to find out how you can help.
- To advocate for workplace health and safety to prevent injuries and illnesses, you can contact the American Society of Safety Professionals or the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals. You can also promote workplace safety and health in your own workplace with these tips.
Do You Need Help?
If you or a loved one has been injured at work or cannot work due to a disability, The Disability Guys can help. Our disability and workers’ compensation attorneys have helped tens of thousands of clients receive the benefits they deserve and get their lives back on track. We’re committed to helping you get the financial support you need. Contact us today at (866) 205-2415.