Hawaii ranks highly in pay for disabled

A new federal report shows that Hawaii is one of the most successful states in helping people with disabilities find well-paying jobs.

The U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration study shows that clients with disabilities earned an average of about $41,000 annually in 2009. That amount is nearly 67 percent of the average Hawaii wage.

Only six states paid the disabled a higher percentage of the average state wage.

Hawaii Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller said Thursday that the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind programs help people prepare for, find and retain employment.

She says even people with significant disabilities, such as blindness and deafness, are working in financially rewarding jobs.