#NDEAM
Unlocking Potential
Each October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by celebrating the skills, accomplishments, and contributions of the men and women with disabilities whose work keeps the economy strong. The purpose of NDEAM is also to educate about disability employment issues while reaffirming commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunity for all people. According to the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the theme for NDEAM this year is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
Although we celebrate NDEAM in October, there are organizations that support and provide resources, training, and education year-round to those with disabilities so that they can follow their dreams and succeed in education and employment. Organizations such as the Association of People Supporting Employment First, Project SEARCH, and even some local school-to-work programs are there to provide people with disabilities the support to get out there and start working in their communities.
Naveh Eldar: The Landscape Podcast
Whether they have a disability or not, it is empowering when people are able to work with others in their communities and be able to choose what they want to do with their life career-wise. Working or pursuing a career also provides positive health outcomes for people with disabilities as well. Having a job that they are passionate about while also having community and creating stability and consistency can improve their mental well-being and promote healthier living. Meeting people where they are and providing support, training, and mentorship is integral to the process of unlocking this great potential (The Landscape Podcast, Eldar, 2021).
Working and getting a job with fair wages can give a significant feeling of purpose to those with disabilities. The opportunity to have a job that is enjoyable can be very meaningful and the ability to help other people can give a great sense of accomplishment (The Landscape Podcast, Eldar, 2021). That is why organizations are striving to support those with disabilities to help them gain employment, fair wages, benefits, and the dignity that arises from gainful employment.
Project Search
According to Erin Riehle, founder and director of Project SEARCH, “It is important that the world, parents, and young people know that their options for employment are really large” (Raising Kellan Podcast, 2023). There are many education and job opportunities out there for people with disabilities. Seeing this great potential being developed in the workplace and community can be very empowering to others with disabilities, as seeing this inclusion could potentially encourage others to pursue their dreams and strive to succeed in a job position that they truly enjoy.
References
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Office of Disability Employment Policy, 2023.https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam/
Project SEARCH 2021 International Conference Closing Session with David and Caleb Buback, The Landscape Podcast, Eldar, 2021. https://www.tennesseeworks.org/the- landscape-podcast/
National APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment 1st), The Landscape Podcast, Eldar, 2021. https://www.tennesseeworks.org/the-landscape-podcast/
Project SEARCH, Raising Kellan Podcast, Riehle, 2023.https://www.raisingkellan.org/blog/project-search