After finishing our schooling, whether it was high school or higher education, most of us entered the world of employment. Regardless of if we’re in a job we love, following our passion, or still searching for work that makes us happy, employment is the natural and expected next step in our society. Yet for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we seem to set the bar much lower without understanding the disservice of doing so.
Putting aside the obvious benefits of a paycheck each week, work provides a range of positive outcomes that employed people often take for granted. A day’s work gives us a sense of pride, social opportunities and interactions, challenges to conquer, and the confidence that comes from completing a task successfully, no matter how big or small.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and as such, I encourage employers around New Jersey to recognize the benefits of hiring someone with an intellectual or developmental disability. As an Employment First state, it is our collective responsibility to ensure employment is the preferred post-education activity for everyone, including people with disabilities.
As someone who works every day to find work for others, I can attest that disability accommodations are inexpensive, but the benefit of providing someone with a job they can be proud of is priceless.
ED. NOTE: Kubler is the director of Project HIRE, a supported employment program of The Arc of New Jersey.
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