With one week of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) left to go, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) want to remind you about resources you can use to help spread the word—all year round – such as connecting with LOCAL RESOURCES – Oregon COAAST – Communities of All Abilities Succeeding together. Here’s a reminder to our Coastal Communities who need employees, let’s work together to all learn about Employment First, a practice that supports integrated employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
You need help? They need meaningful work. Coaching for the employee and employer is included. Contact us if you would like to talk further: julie@oregoncoaast.org
Benefits to employers – Historically, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have experienced much higher rates of unemployment than the general population. While this is still the case generally, employers are starting to see that individuals who experience an I/DD can be dedicated and hard-working employees who also contribute greatly to the productivity, culture, and diversity of the workplace. Communities embrace people who contribute, and employment of individuals with I/DD is a win/win for everybody. For more information go to www.sammysplace.info
Other new resources include key NDEAM messages and social media graphics and shareable photo spotlights of disability leaders past and present. The NDEAM webpage also offers a brief video about the annual campaign and concrete ideas for how different types of organizations can participate.
Organizations of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to use these resources, but of course, a commitment to disability employment extends beyond October. For ideas on how to foster supportive, inclusive workplace policies and practices every month, see Year-Round Employer Strategies for Advancing Disability Inclusion.