SEOUL, December 2 (AJP) - Dec. 3 marks the UN's International Day of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting the importance of employment opportunities for the disabled amid rapid changes in the labor market. The Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities (KEAD) is at the forefront of this effort. Lee Jong-seong, KEAD's head, is focused on creating jobs for the disabled.
"The expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital industries is reshaping the job market," Lee said. "We aim to uncover new roles in future industries to provide more opportunities for the disabled." KEAD is prioritizing job development in new industries, expanding digital training, and supporting companies in adopting new roles.
Challenges remain such as low employment rates for the severely disabled and insufficient diversity in the job market. Lee said the government plans to raise the mandatory employment quota for people with disabilities to 3.5 percent by 2029, emphasizing KEAD's role in helping companies comply through tailored consulting and promoting best practices.
Lee highlighted the need for improved perceptions of disabled workers, despite several years of mandatory workplace education. KEAD is enhancing experience-based programs and utilizing various media channels to help change these perceptions.
Despite an overall rise in employment, the employment rate for people with disabilities declined from 50.4 percent in 2022 to 48.4 percent in 2024. KEAD aims to reverse this trend by expanding quality jobs and relevant support services including AI-driven job-matching systems.
Lee aims to improve workplace practices by offering higher subsidies for additional hires and supporting marketing efforts for small businesses. "Our goal is to transform lives and enhance social diversity and sustainability," Lee said, urging continued support and attention.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI.
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