The disabled workforce is another untapped resource, especially since their talents have often been underestimated. Stigma has played a key role in encouraging them to enroll in courses separate from their peers in high schools, which only prepare them for lower-paying jobs. Such practices limited not only their access to better quality education, but also the ability to demonstrate to potential employers that they are competent to handle knowledge-based jobs. Such miscalculations cause employers and business leaders to overlook many Americans with disabilities who are actually capable of working in high-growth markets, thereby solving the skills shortage crisis. “Nearly 13 percent, or more than 22 million working-age adults in the United States, have a disability, according to 2006 statistics” (Heldrich 2008). A growing percentage of workers with disabilities may be looking for work; Yet their representation in the workforce risks declining as the economy becomes more complex. “Nearly 38 percent of working-age adults with disabilities were employed, compared with nearly 80 percent of people without disabilities” (Heldrich 2008). Potential candidates with intellectual disabilities may face more obstacles, as their limited mental abilities will mark them as not having the potential to meet the challenges of the 21st century workforce. “The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines individuals with developmental disabilities as meeting the following three criteria: 1) Intellectual functioning (IQ) level below 70-75; 2) Significant limitations in adaptive skills – the basic conceptual, social, and practical skills needed for daily living; and 3) the disability began before age 18” (Kauffman 2007). ...... middle of paper ...... fund several social programs. “The Alliance for Excellent Education has estimated that the approximately 1.2 million students who should have graduated but did not graduate with the class of 2007 will cost the nation nearly $329 billion in loss of income over their lifetime” (ICW 2008). This excessive budgetary loss may make the United States more vulnerable by losing its competitiveness with other countries and increasing its national security vulnerability. Additionally, these millions could potentially improve the United States' competitiveness against its international rivals and improve its national security if they continue their education. Encouraging and creating an environment for every student to complete high school and obtain some type of post-secondary education is essential to boost the wealth of this country and produce its own resources and not depend on other countries..