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Thank you for joining Best Buddies in support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2016. Together we can cultivate employer engagement and support for Best Buddies Jobs while celebrating the abilities and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
History of NDEAM
In its 71st year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) helps raise critical awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates America’s workers with disabilities. NDEAM’s history traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1988, Congress expanded the observation to a month and changed it to its current name.
Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Reflecting the important role disability plays in workforce diversity, this year’s NDEAM theme is “#InclusionWorks.”
2015 was the first year that Best Buddies participated in NDEAM. Overall, 90 posts were made by Best Buddies offices, school chapters and supporters through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This resulted in 3,702 interactions with social media users.
Ways That You Can Help
- Show your support of #NDEAM and Best Buddies by sharing NDEAM posts from Best Buddies accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram.
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Use some of the suggested #NDEAM social media posts found below.
- Put up #NDEAM posters at your office or school. (Download Carolyn Poster (PDF), Download Patrick Poster (PDF))
Shalonda – Seyfarth Shaw LLP
I see people with disabilities like Shalonda as valuable contributors to their workplaces. #InclusionWorks for her and her employer, Seyfarth Shaw LLP! #NDEAM #BestBuddiesJobs
- Link to video: https://youtu.be/VMCMLezro-A
Thank our Participating Employers
From the Animal Services to the Warehouse & Storage industries, check out this list of Best Buddies’ AMAZING participating employers! Let’s tag and thank these companies for partnering with Best Buddies and recognizing that #InclusionWorks. #NDEAM
Gabby – FOX Networks
“We are each superheroes in our own rights. And rather than view ourselves as ‘disabled’ like everyone else claims we are, we should say that we are ‘super-abled’ because we are,” – Gabby, #BestBuddiesJobs participant at FOX Networks. #InclusionWorks #NDEAM
Promote Best Buddies Jobs
Working with Best Buddies helps companies conduct critical outreach to an untapped talent pool – people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tag your friends and your favorite companies to let them know that #InclusionWorks! #NDEAM #BestBuddiesJobs
- Link to video: https://youtu.be/ncUhHrfGZrU
Letter From Billy’s Mother
“[Billy] was not happy, and one day announced, ‘I don’t want to bag groceries my whole life.’” #BestBuddiesJobs worked with Billy to find him a job that better fit his skills, but it’s important to note that only about 15% of people like Billy, working age adults with development disabilities, hold paid community jobs. Share this post to let your friends know that #InclusionWorks! #NDEAM
Ryan – Med-Care
“The staff at Med-Care knew that Ryan would become an immediate asset to their operations. During the interview process, Ryan noted that the scanning equipment at Med-Care was out of date. With Ryan’s input, the equipment was updated and now all the administrative staff benefit from the new scanners.” #InclusionWorks #NDEAM #BestBuddiesJobs
- Link to article:
https://www.bestbuddies.org/blog/2014/10/03/meet-ryan-hoffman/
Sarah H. – Madam Tussauds
I <3 this quote from long-time #BestBuddiesJobs program participant Sarah H.: “My favorite thing is getting to work with amazing coworkers, feeling successful, getting a paycheck so I can pay rent, and gaining independence.” Sarah and her employer, Madam Tussauds San Francisco, know that #InclusionWorks! #NDEAM
Danny – Silicon Valley Bank
Only a few weeks after his initial interview in June 2013, Danny was hired as a clerical assistant. When reflecting on this period of time from when he was unemployed to getting his job at Silicon Valley Bank, he says, ‘There was a light at the end of the tunnel.’” #InclusionWorks #NDEAM #BestBuddiesJobs
- Link to article:
https://www.bestbuddies.org/blog/2015/12/02/meet-danny-huff/
Brooke – Grand Ole Opry
“My job at the Opry makes me feel more independent and I enjoy their family atmosphere. Receiving a paycheck from the Opry is so rewarding because I know how many people would want my job. The paycheck also makes me feel like I am earning my way into the Opry family. Being able to contribute as a worker is very rewarding and I love the friendships I have made and girl talk we have on break!” #InclusionWorks #NDEAM #BestBuddiesJobs
- Link to article:
https://www.bestbuddies.org/blog/2015/12/16/meet-brooke-abbott/
Shalonda
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Promote Best Buddies Jobs
80% of PPL w/IDD don’t have a paid job in the community. Lower the % by hiring someone today! bestbuddies.org/jobs #InclusionWorks #NDEAM
Barbara
Holland & Knight
Barbara has been employed by @Holland_Knight for over 22 years…they certainly know #InclusionWorks! #NDEAM http://bit.ly/NDEAMbarbara
Alosha
Kel and Partners
Promote Best Buddies Jobs: New York
Promote I’m In To Hire
Hiring #PwD is more than the right thing to do, it makes good business sense! My source: imintohire.org. #NDEAM #InclusionWorks
Untwon
Natixis Global Asset Management
Promote #NDEAM
What does workplace inclusion look like? Share your images during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. #NDEAM #InclusionWorks
Paul
Bellagio
“He has risen to the occasion and delivers Five Diamond guest service…” #InclusionWorks at the @Bellagio. #NDEAM http://bit.ly/NDEAMpaul