75th Anniversary Shows Hiring People With Disabilities Is Long-Sought Goal

While some may consider 2020 a year to quickly move past—it has included some major milestones for people with disabilities.

This October marks the 75^th annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Along with the 30^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), NDEAM is proof of long-standing efforts to increase opportunity for people with disabilities in the workplace. NDEAM is designed to educate and boost awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities.

Allsup Employment Services (AES) is pleased to observe this historic occasion.

“I love National Disability Employment Awareness Month because it brings more attention to the progress we’ve made,” said Diane Winiarski, Allsup Employment Services Director.

AES is a Social Security Administration-authorized Employment Network for the Ticket to Work program, which helps SSDI beneficiaries with their return to work. (SSDI is the Social Security Disability Insurance program and 156 million U.S. workers are insured for benefits.)

Expanding access to important nationwide programs is vital for AES Career -Consultants who help connect people with disabilities to jobs and an opportunity for greater financial independence. Though progress has been made, more is needed.

“Job applicants with disabilities fight an uphill battle against overt discrimination and implicit bias, from the initial job interview to responsibilities and promotions,” Winiarski said. “Through our work as an authorized Employment Network, we help people take advantage of Social Security’s Ticket to Work incentives and get free guidance all along the way.”

Even with very high levels of unemployment due to COVID-19, jobs still exist. People have the option of finding part-time and full-time work, and many employers are promoting work-from-home measures. This is good news for people with disabilities who can easily adapt with flexible schedules and working from home.

“It’s important we continue to work for further inclusion and increase opportunities for this pool of talented individuals,” Winiarski said.

Find more about NDEAM online.

Learn more about returning to work with Allsup Employment Services.

You can also download our free 2020 edition eBook, Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance: Getting it Right the First Time.