Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Americans with Disabilities Act recently marked its 22nd anniversary. Friday, the Director of Federal Contract Compliance Programs for the Labor Department visited Buffalo.

"The unemployment rate for people with disabilities generally is twice as much as for people without disabilities and what's more stark is the fact those with disabilities don't participate in the work force as much," says Patricia Shiu. Shiu says only 20 percent of people with disabilities are in the work force, which she calls unacceptable. "It's troubling because there are so many people with disabilities who want to work, and there are so many businesses missing out by not taking advantage of their tremendous gifts of skill set and diligence," says Shiu.

Shiu also came out with high praise for one local organization. "We want to celebrate the Olmstead Center for Sight in Buffalo and the Statler Center because of the incredible and innovative work they're doing here to ensure people with disabilities get jobs," says Shiu. The center works with those with disabilities to help them prepare for jobs in the hospitality field, and now is collaborating with the United Way in training those with disabilities for jobs in the 211 call center.