The research doesn't lie — studies show that people with disabilities help businesses increase profits and improve company image. (Photo: Shutterstock)

We all know that individuals with disabilities can face a significant struggle when returning to work. They typically cannot simply go out and “get a job” without overcoming a number of hurdles. That's why it's not surprising that the unemployment rate for this group is nearly twice as high as the general worker population (7.3 percent versus 3.4 percent).

Perhaps most challenging is disengaging from government programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – trying to navigate your way back to a job. It can be as complicated as originally applying for the primary benefit. But it's also difficult because people with disabilities are concerned about misconceptions among employers and what it means to hire them.

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