National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Throughout the Special Olympics North America Region, companies demonstrate what an inclusive environment should look like and how that translates throughout the communities.

Jana Kennedy’s passion for working in the prep kitchen stems from her relationship with her grandma.

On the campus of North Carolina State University, Erin Johnston and Ke’Shaun Tillman formed an unlikely friendship.

Frank Siembab has a bubbly and outgoing personality. Whether it’s leading a crowd in a rousing rendition of ‘God Bless America’ at a Hall of Fame induction ceremony or connecting with his co-workers, the Special Olympics Rhode Island athlete is known for lighting up the room.

With National Disability Employment Awareness Month right around the corner, I've been reflecting on my own employment journey. My journey to the job I currently have was not one that I planned and it didn't go as easy as one, two, three. It was and still is a journey of faith. You see, when I left high school, I faced barriers in qualifying for disability resources and vocational training that I had been told would help prepare me to enter the workplace. As I applied for services, I was told I was either too high functioning or too low functioning to receive these services. I had a lot of time to wonder, and even be afraid of what my future might hold. The workplace had always been a scary place for me. I wasn’t so worried about the type of job I would get; I was worried about the support I would receive to be successful in my job.

Happy October and National Disability Employment Awareness Month! It’s the season of showcasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), I wanted to share about the BEST resource around: Special Olympics.

Standing on a silver construction ladder with a red top, Shakir Stapleton is tucked deep inside the ceiling working on the technical aspect of computer systems. To the normal eye, the complicated wiring and electrical work can be described as a foreign language. But for Stapleton, it’s just another day at work, in his element, thriving.

Michael Jacques lives life overcoming obstacles. He doesn't read or write, but that doesn't stop him from sharing his story in the most creative of ways. Jacques shares his story about how he became a self-published author to his books "I Belong: Can I Play?" and "Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book." A feat that while challenging, was well worth it in the end.

Surrounded by the magnificent architecture showcased at the White House, Danielle Liebl was experiencing a life-changing event.