National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to recognize the vital roles people with disabilities play in making the nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive. Read about the positive experience The Wesley Community has had in working with AIM in recognition of NDEAM.
Why is it important to your business to hire people with diverse abilities?
Jennifer: I feel everyone needs opportunities to work and learn new skill sets. Being able to see employees grow in their role is very rewarding for my staff and me.
NDEAM’s theme for 2023, “Advancing Access & Equity”, addresses how an “inclusive workforce is a strong workforce”. How has employing a person with diverse abilities strengthened your workforce?
Jennifer: Having staff with diverse abilities has helped other staff learn patience and proper ways to train. It makes people think outside the box on how to help other others be successful.
How has the supported employment model, provided by AIM, helped you successfully employ the people served? Please share any positive stories with working with the Employment Support Professionals from AIM.
Jennifer: LaCretia has been wonderful! She is so in tune with the people she supports and has a great approach with them. She works hard at making sure they are the right fit for a job and supports them in many ways to be successful. She is easy to reach and checks in regularly to see how things are going.
What have your learned through this experience of employing people with diverse abilities? With this, what advice do you have for employers considering hiring employees of diverse abilities?
Jennifer: My advice for others hiring employees with diverse abilities is to work with an Employee Support Professional to find the right match. Make sure you are clear on what duties you are looking for someone to complete, and make sure your staff are patient and are involved in the training process.
Learn more about AIM’s Employment Services here.
Learn more about The Wesley Community here.