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The Time is Now to Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

 

What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

 

This October will mark the 76th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual campaign that honors workers with disabilities, promotes businesses that hire and value diversity, and raises awareness about disability employment issues. Each October, the Office of Disability Employment Policy hosts National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). During this month, our focus is on celebrating the contributions of people with disabilities to the workplace and community and affirming our commitment to creating an inclusive society that’s open to all.

This year NDEAM’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” The theme is about the importance of inclusive employment following COVID-19 to provide full employment opportunities for people with disabilities. 

What can we learn from the history of NDEAM?

In 1945, the U.S. Congress recognized the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” in honor of people with disabilities. This campaign emphasized the value of job opportunities for people with disabilities and showed that they could make a difference. In 1962, the term “physically” was removed in acknowledgment of the achievements made by individuals with many types of disabilities. In 1988, the U.S. Congress extended the week to what we now know as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to enhance awareness of the employment needs and contributions of people with disabilities. 

Where does employment for people with disabilities stand today in the eyes of SHRM?

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 1 million people with disabilities have lost jobs during the pandemic. Additionally, one in five workers with disabilities has been dismissed from employment since March 2020, compared with one in seven for the general population, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To learn more about the many employment barriers of people with disabilities, SHRM interviewed Carol Glazer, President of the National Organization on Disability (NOD). Carol Glazer explained, sometimes the work environment isn’t conducive to hiring people with disabilities and even if senior leaders and HR are on board, managers may not be. 

Additionally, she elaborated that people with disabilities could be more efficient in their work than those without disabilities. A person with a visual impairment who utilizes screen-reading technology may be able to read more quickly than someone without a visual impairment.

“Disability doesn’t mean inability, rather, it means different ability.”                  – Carol Glazer, President of the National Organization on Disability             (NOD)

 

It is important to recognize how COVID has affected the job search. SHRM recommends that employers utilize these tips to overcome disability employment issues.

Use inclusive images and text on their careers portals, in their job descriptions, and on their social media sites.

  • Take the Disability Equality Index and remedying any gaps.
  • Ensure that their accommodation processes are well-communicated and efficient.
  • Remember that 75 percent of disabilities are not visible. Mental disabilities, such as depression, have increased during the pandemic.
  • Use digital meeting platforms with disability-related capabilities.

 

Stay tuned for more information on tips to help you ace your next job interview.

Staying Safe during Falls Prevention Awareness Week

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Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

The goal of National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is to prevent falls in older adults by increasing education, awareness, and providing interventions. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, over one in five older adults (65+) experiences a fall. The outcome results in serious injuries, such as broken bones, hip fractures, or head injuries. Falling can also result in expensive emergency room costs. The estimated cost of an emergency room fall is over $20,000. And according to estimates, by 2030, medical costs associated with falls will reach $54 billion.

In an effort to better understand who is at risk of falling, how to prevent falls, and how to handle them after they happen, we sought out Anne Maley, physical therapist, and creator of the course FIT – Functional Independence Training and Fall Prevention. With over 40 years of experience in rehabilitation in clinics and homes, Anne is the perfect person to lead this discussion. These key tips from the interview can assist you or a loved one in proactively preventing falls.

Old male on ground sitting up and being assisted back up by older woman who is standing.

Who is at risk of falling? 

  • About 30% of people over the age of 60 will experience a fall and 50% of people over the age of 80 will experience a fall.

 

Older male in yellow shirt on ground on back. Expression of pain on face. Three people surround him with hands on fallen man.

If you experience a fall what should you do?

  • It is important to check different parts of your body when you fall to check for injuries before trying to get up.
  • Find the closest piece of substantial furniture to assist with getting up. 
  • If you experience a fall in public you should not let anyone assist you until you have gone through a routine check of moving your body and checking your body for injuries.
  • Always have a means of communication on your body at all times to ensure that you can call for help when you are by yourself.

“Always call 911 if you think you’re hurt.”

 

infographic with information on how to prevent falling.

How can a fall be avoided or prevented?

  • Stay active and walk. You can move your body by simply walking through your house. 
  • Pay close attention to your walking patterns such as shuffling. Shuffling can cause you to trip and fall. 
  • Maintain a good posture. It is important that your head is up and is level with your shoulders.

 

How does a fall impact your life?

  • The “fear of falling” can cause a person to feel scared and it can make them not want to engage in activities. Some people will stay in a chair where they feel safe. 

 

What steps can family members take to prevent their loved ones’ from falling?

  • Examine the home and make sure it is safe.
  • Be sure the steps are equipped with a rail or banister for support.
  • Make sure there are no rugs on the floor that could cause them to slip. 
  • Ensure that the bathroom (where most of the falls happen) has grab bars installed by the toilet, area leading into the tub, and install raised toilets.
  • Don’t leave extension cords across the floor.

 

“Looking at home safety is the biggest thing that a family could do for a loved one.”

 

As the most important takeaway from Fall Prevention Week, Anne urges you to “stay active.” It is vital for the public to be educated and aware of how to prevent falls. For more information about fall prevention check out these great resources provided by the CDC:

Voters with Disabilities Still Face Barriers

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Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

 

The right to vote is one of the most important responsibilities of U.S. citizens. All voters are ensured that their interests and voices are represented when they cast their votes. Despite this, fairvote.org states that the U.S. Constitution provides no explicit right to vote and as a result, some citizens have fewer rights than others. It is important to acknowledge that people with disabilities had to fight for their right to vote and have continued to face obstacles that have restricted their right to vote at polling locations. According to the National Disability Rights Network, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all polling places to be accessible to people with disabilities. However, polling locations in the United States remain largely inaccessible to voters with disabilities for a variety of reasons.

Voting Barriers

Voters with disabilities who require wheelchair accessibility are faced with restrictions at polling locations when doors are too narrow, when there is a lack of automatic door openers, when there is no proper signage, and when there are no entryway ramps. Curbside voting accommodations are in place but are not an acceptable option because privacy becomes an issue.

A woman holding a large clipboard sits in her car while a woman with a red jacket takes the clipboard. Woman in red jacket wears a button that says "vote".
A woman votes using a curb-side voting option. While this new option has helped some people with disabilities be able to vote, there are still many barriers to voting for others in the disability community.

Disabled voters with vision impairments encounter barriers when polling locations do not provide ballots with larger print, voting machines are not equipped to offer audio, or voting machines are inoperable. “Advocacy organizations have received complaints about machines not operating properly or of poll workers not being trained in their use.” A survey conducted by Rutgers University, following the 2016 election found that such problems led to decreased voting by individuals with disabilities.

A woman wearing over-the-ear headphones stands while using an ADA accessible voting machine for blind or visually impaired individuals.
A woman uses an ADA accessible voting machine for blind or visually impaired individuals.

There are several cases where voters with cognitive disabilities have been denied their right to vote because assumptions were made about their intellectual capabilities. “Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have laws that strip voting rights for people with mental disabilities who are deemed incapacitated or incompetent by a court of law.” These laws also apply to voters with disabilities when the court assigns a legal guardian to handle their affairs.

How People with Disabilities are Gaining Their Rights Back

The Special Needs Alliance works with many organizations to overcome these obstacles. Here are recommendations made by the Presidential Commission on Election Administration to help defeat voting obstacles faced by people with disabilities.

 

Voters with disabilities should not face these voting obstacles alone. They have the ability to use their unique experiences and perspectives to enhance and influence policies that are made within their communities and their country. In July of this year, Vice President Kamala Harris led by example and met with a group of disability rights advocates to discuss their voting barriers. She acknowledged the obstacles and told reporters that ensuring access to voting rights for people with disabilities is one of the nation’s top priorities. You can check out the full meeting here. 

Vice President Kamal Harris sits at the front of a large wooden table with 5 other individuals all smiling looking at the camera.
In July of this year, Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with a group of disability advocates to discuss disability voting rights.

What to do if your Voting Rights are Being Neglected 

“If you face any challenges in voting privately and independently or are unable to cast your vote, report the problem to the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Trained attorneys can assist you and make sure that other voters do not experience the same problem.” – American Civil Liberties Union

You can also contact the phone numbers listed below:

If you would like to become more involved and empower lives in the community, join CIL’s volunteer team! There are many ways to become a part of our mission to break down barriers and create new opportunities for disability inclusion and acceptance. For volunteer opportunities email bpilcher@cilorlando.org.

National Disability Voter Registration Week (September 13-20)

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Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

This year, National Disability Voter Registration Week is September 13 – 20. This is a time to empower voters with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. National Disability Voter Registration Week is coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REV UP which stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!” The REV UP Campaign aims to expand the political force of individuals with disabilities by increasing their political power and sharing educational resources that give them the confidence to register to vote.

Why is it important that people with disabilities vote?

According to Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, “voter turnout surged among citizens with disabilities in 2020. The turnout increased by 5.9 points in comparison to the 2016 general election.” Citizens with disabilities are letting their voices be heard and their determination was recognized in the November 2020 election, when 17.7 million people (about the population of New York) with disabilities casted their vote.

History of Voter Disability Rights over the Last 50 Years 

It is important to understand the federal laws that have paved the way to protect and increase the rights of voters with disabilities. Here are some federal laws over the last 56 years that have improved the voting rights and experiences for disabled voters:

These federal laws collectively establish standards that will protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. Several obstacles and barriers were recognized and removed to ensure that adequate assistance is provided at polling locations. By staying up to date on policies and laws, voters with disabilities can take control and exercise their civil rights.

How Can People with Disabilities Get More Involved with the Voting System? 

Another way to become educated about voter’s rights is by connecting with the community. To educate and encourage current and potential voters here in Central Florida, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) is partnering with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections during National Disability Voter Registration Week. On Thursday, September 16, from 12pm to 2pm,  community members are invited to visit the CIL (720 N. Denning Dr. Winter Park.) The event is FREE, and no registration is needed (learn more about the event here). At the event, you will learn how to use ADA-compliant voting equipment, register to vote if you are not registered, update your voter registration information, and get to know more about how voting works and why YOUR voice matters to our community.

A Veteran’s Mission for Independence: Meet Bobbie Smith

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CIL Storytelling and Marketing Intern, Melissa smiling in a profile photo.

Written by Melissa Donovan

 

Bobbie Smith spent 10 years as a mechanic in the United States Army and another 20 working for the United States Postal Service. While Bobbie was not in a rush to stop working, he was forced to retire after developing prostate cancer. He underwent radiation therapy that ultimately saved his life, but this was just the beginning of Bobbie’s medical journey. His back also required an intricate spinal fusion surgery, and bad circulation related to his diabetes required a partial amputation of one of his feet. With all of that, Bobbie also lost one of the things that he cherished most: his freedom.

Bobbie has always been very active in his community and without a safe and accessible way to leave his house, he was not able to do things that he once enjoyed. “I’m not really a home body. I want to explore, stay busy, participate in activities, and give back to the community,” Bobbie said. He uses a motorized chair to get around his house and outside, but there was still one thing that stood in front of him and his independence: the stairs to his house. With limited resources and the desire to leave his home, Bobbie crafted a makeshift ramp that allowed him to leave his home, but was very unsafe and not fully accessible.

Although Mr. Smith makes it his mission to live as independently as possible, he still relied on regular assistance from family, friends, neighbors, roommates and daughter, who would all help him get in and out of his home.

“I had to depend on a lot of people, which is something I do not like to do,” Bobbie said. 

A chair stands on top of two brick stairs- the front door of Bobbie's home is open to see inside.
The chairs at the bottom of Bobbie’s front door left him relying on a chair and his friends and neighbors to get out of his home.

With the help of ABC Prosthetics & Orthotics and their volunteer group “Limb-It-Less,” Bobbie received an aluminum ramp on February 9, 2019 that was built using donated tools from Stanley Black & Decker. The ramp was was built to not only allow Bobbie to access his home without assistance, but also to do safely. Bobbie described first seeing his ramp like the feeling of “opening up a present on Christmas day”. 

“I am on the go a lot, and now I do not need any help leaving the house,” Bobbie said.

Bobbie recommends that veterans who are in similar situations to get in touch with CIL. He is very thankful and appreciative of all the work that volunteers have done for him to give him back his freedom. 

Seven people stand in front of and to the sides of Bobbie Smith (in his electric wheelchair) on an aluminum ramp in front of a house.
Volunteer team “Limb-it-Less” join Bobbie on his newly assembled ramp.

 

Click here to donate to help more veterans like Bobbie rediscover their independence.

Celebrating NDEAM- CIL Staff Spotlight: Danielle Head

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October is nationally recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known short as NDEAM. This year’s observance is unique in that it not only marks the 75th anniversary since NDEAM originated, but 2020 also celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); a piece of civil rights legislation signed by George H.W. Bush, that granted rights and equal opportunities to people with disabilities in the United States.

One of the numerous focuses of the act was the expansion of equal employment opportunities and full inclusion for people with disabilities. While great advances in employment equality have been made thanks to the ADA, some people with disabilities still find it difficult to secure meaningful employment. In the state of Florida alone, there are an estimated 2.67 million people who indicate that they have some sort of disability, according to a 2019 report from the Florida Chamber Foundation. This is 13.4 percent of all Floridians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent among people with disabilities in the United States in 2019, a slight decrease from the 8 percent reported in 2018. However, people with disabilities are still twice as likely to be unemployed, compared to those without a disability.

This was the case for a young woman named Danielle Head, 35, who was not born Deaf, but after childhood complications from Rotavirus, lost her hearing. After graduating and attaining an associate degree from Seminole State College, Danielle wanted to explore the work field of graphic design and photography, with the hope to ultimately land a job. But it’s not that simple for people with disabilities in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, unemployment rates for persons with a disability were higher than those for persons without a disability, even with the same education levels. Although Danielle had a respectable amount of graphic design and photography experience, she still struggled to find fulfilling employment that utilized her skills and capabilities.

Danielle Head sitting down in graduation gown, smiling and holding diploma.
Danielle graduated from Seminole State College in May of 2018 with an A.S. in Digital Design.

“I think that it’s important that people know that people with all different types of disabilities can do so many things that a lot of jobs require. There is so much misconception about the capabilities and work ethic of people with disabilities,” said Danielle.

In November of 2018, Danielle was referred to the Center for Independent Living of Central Florida, now known as CIL, for employment services. After working closely with her case manager on things like her resume, interview skills, and the job application process, Danielle felt ready for the next step of the process, which was on the job training, or OJT. This process typically is a supervised hands-on experience at a workplace to ensure that the transition to a job after this process is smooth. Danielle inquired if her training could take place within the walls of CIL, specifically with the development department, and her request was happily accepted. Development Director, Brittany Pilcher, knew that this training opportunity could allow Danielle to utilize and grow her skills of graphic design and photography, and that is exactly what happened.

photo of Danielle Head shoulder up, wearing a blue CIL polo shirt.
Danielle Head, 35, currently works at the Center for Independent living of Central Florida (CIL).

After Danielle’s on the job training came to an end, she still found herself struggling interview after interview. She couldn’t help but feel that she was at a constant disadvantage because of her disability, and found that as an individual who is Deaf and primarily uses American Sign Language to communicate, there was a communication barrier that kept her from connecting with potential employers. At this time, an opportunity arose within the development department at CIL for a graphic design position, and Danielle was happily selected to fill that role.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 6.5 million current job openings. Many of these positions could be filled by qualified people with disabilities; yet stigmas and misconceptions keep these positions vacant and unfilled.

Danielle Head standing in front large painted mural, wearing blue drape around her neck that says "Orlando City"
Earlier this year, Danielle was selected to design a mural at Camping World Stadium for Orlando City Soccer Club. Image source: Seminole State College

“With increased education and advocacy on people with disabilities, we hope that potential employers see the true benefits of hiring people with disabilities,” said Jascinth Lawrence, Program Director at CIL.

“Our clients are eager to get into the workforce and lead independent lives; they just need the opportunity and employers who are willing to see them for their abilities,” Lawrence added.