Brought To You By Evergreen Life Services; Written by Jana Ford Ambeau
October marks the annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time when the nation comes together to recognize the critical contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and to promote inclusive employment practices.
NDEAM highlights the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), have equal access to employment opportunities and are empowered to live fulfilling, independent lives.
This year’s theme, “Advancing Access and Equity,” calls attention to the ongoing need for society to dismantle the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from thriving in the workplace. One local organization leading the charge is Evergreen Life Services, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with IDD. Evergreen not only provides essential support but also equips people with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in the workforce, fostering a more inclusive and diverse community.
Evergreen Life Services: Empowering Individuals with IDD
In the face of these challenges, organizations like Evergreen Life Services (ELS) play a vital role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities overcome barriers to employment and lead meaningful, productive lives. With a mission to “serve, provide for, and champion individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Evergreen Life Services is a beacon of hope for people with IDD and their families.
At the Central Louisiana Division, Evergreen provides a range of services that support individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals. This includes residential services, day programs, and health care supports, but perhaps most significantly, job skills training and employment services that equip individuals with the skills and confidence to succeed in the workforce.
Employment Services at Evergreen Life Services
Evergreen Life Services recognizes that individuals with IDD have a wide range of skills, talents, and interests that, when nurtured, can lead to meaningful employment opportunities. The organization offers support services to the individuals they serve, which include:
– Pre-employment training: ELS provides training programs that focus on building essential job skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These programs also help individuals with disabilities develop the soft skills necessary for workplace success, such as adaptability, professionalism, and interpersonal relationships.
– Job placement assistance: Once the individuals that ELS serves complete their job skills training, ELS works closely with local businesses and employers to match participants with job opportunities that align with their skills and career aspirations. The organization helps facilitate the job search process, providing support during interviews and negotiations with potential employers.
– Support: Ongoing support is provided to the individuals served by ELS, ensuring that these individuals with IDD have the guidance and resources they need to thrive in their new roles.
– Workplace accommodations: ELS advocates for individuals with disabilities by working with employers to implement reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform their job duties effectively. This could include modifications to the physical workspace, adjustments in job responsibilities, or providing assistive technologies.
One of the keys to Evergreen’s success is its strong partnerships with local businesses that are committed to fostering inclusive workplaces. These partnerships not only create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities but also help raise awareness about the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Success Stories: Changing Lives Through Employment
The impact of Evergreen Life Services’ employment programs can be seen in the personal success stories of individuals who have overcome significant challenges to find fulfilling careers.
Take, for example, James, a young man with IDD who is served by Evergreen and wanted support to find a good job. Through ELS’s services, James secured a position at a local grocery store, where he has become a valued member of the team. His manager praises his work ethic and positive attitude, noting that he has become a role model for other employees. For James, having a job has given him a sense of pride and independence that he had never experienced before.
Similarly, Mary was able to secure the receptionist position at ELS. Her smiling face is one of the first that is seen when coming to the ELS office. Mary’s infectious personality and dedication to her work have made her a favorite among visitors and coworkers alike. Her employment and the joy of a paycheck, has allowed her to form meaningful connections with her colleagues, and boosted her confidence.
These stories are just a few examples of the profound difference that meaningful employment can make in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through the work of organizations like Evergreen Life Services, more individuals with IDD are finding their place in the workforce and contributing to their communities in meaningful ways.
How You Can Help
There are many ways that businesses, community members, and individuals can support the mission of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the efforts of organizations like Evergreen Life Services:
– Hire individuals with disabilities: Employers can take proactive steps to create inclusive hiring practices, implement reasonable accommodations, and foster a welcoming workplace culture that embraces diversity. By hiring individuals with disabilities, businesses gain valuable employees and contribute to a more inclusive society.
– Support organizations like Evergreen Life Services: Consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support the vital work that Evergreen is doing to empower individuals with IDD. Your support helps fund job training programs, employment services, and other essential resources that make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
– Spread awareness: Take the opportunity to educate others about the importance of disability employment and the contributions that individuals with disabilities make in the workforce. Share success stories, advocate for inclusive hiring practices, and participate in NDEAM events in your community.
For more information about Evergreen Life Services and how you can get involved, please contact:
Jana Ford Ambeau
Director of Development – Central Louisiana
Evergreen Life Services
Email: jana.ambeau@evergreenls.org
Together, we can create a world where individuals with disabilities are valued for their contributions, supported in their goals, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives. As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let’s commit to advancing access, equity, and opportunity for all workers, regardless of their abilities.
