As the parent or caregiver of a person with special needs you’ve stepped into the role of Advocate and tirelessly championed your kiddo – through school, perhaps sports, and now, as they get a little older, through jobs. This month, as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, look for a little extra support.
What is Disability Employment Awareness Month?
Held each October since 1988, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to appreciate the many and varied contributions that people with disabilities have made to the American economy. It’s also a reminder of the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement.
This year, the US Department of Labor has chosen the theme “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” One of the primary goals for the month is to educate employers and others on disability employment issues and the role they play in fostering a disability-friendly work culture.
Tips for Finding Employment for People with Disabilities
For parents who are just beginning to navigate the journey of finding employment for their teen or adult with special needs, we want to offer a few ideas.
We live in an area with a couple local coffee shops geared specifically toward hiring individuals with disabilities. Check out Independent Grounds in Kennesaw and Circle of Friends in Woodstock to both support their mission and for possible employment.
Another option is to capitalize on your child’s interests and seek jobs that align with them. As a parent that may mean putting on your advocate hat and making connections in a particular field to help your child get job experience. If your child has a specific interest that you can work together to turn into their own business, that’s great, too!
As you look into employment opportunities, also consider finding a vocational coach to help with on-the-job training until your child masters the skills and steps to do the job on their own. Check out the Georgia Department of Labor’s website for a list of resources for job seekers with disabilities.
At Innovative Behavior Options our mission is to promote independence for children and adults with special needs. As an ABA therapy provider, we partner with families to provide the highest possible standard of applied behavior analytic consultation. Give us a call at 770-250-0093 to learn more about what we do and how we can help your family.