Mapping a Vision for Pay Equity for Illinois Workers with Disabilities

Presentation Type: Presentation (30 minutes)

Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Intended Audience: GIS User

Abstract

In January 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act to phase out subminimum wages for workers with disabilities. During the 5-year phase out period, the Employment and Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilities Taskforce will consider strategies that aim to increase access to competitive integrated employment, and in turn, competitive wages. Focusing on Chicago, this presentation will discuss 1) the Local Moran’s I analysis used to determine the geographic distribution of untapped human capital across the city, 2) community businesses as a proposed employment strategy, and 3) an initial look at the feasibility of implementing this strategy.

Presenter(s)

Anita Thomas

Recent Graduate, Wilmington University

Anita Thomas is a researcher committed to identifying equitable strategies to prevent and alleviate poverty. As a specialist in geospatial methods, she analyzes patterns in the spatial distribution of needs and resources to inform social impact strategies within mission-driven organizations. To advance her career, she recently earned a Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (DSocSci) degree from Wilmington University, where her dissertation research analyzed patterns in the spatial distribution of employment needs and resources among people with disabilities in Chicago to inform recommendations for community-based employment interventions. Previously, she earned a M.S. degree in Geodetic Science from Ohio State University and a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification.