By: MAC Midwest
Breaking Barriers: Employment and Disability
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is a powerful reminder that when we create inclusive workplaces, everyone benefits.
At MAC Midwest, inclusion is not just what we do for our learners. It is how we build our teams, too. We are proud to employ talented staff members with disabilities across our organization, and we know that diverse teams are stronger teams.
Why Employment Matters
For people with disabilities, employment is linked to:
- Independence: The ability to make choices and live more self-directed lives.
- Community connection: Workplaces are often where friendships and networks are built.
- Financial stability: Reliable income creates security and opportunity.
- Dignity: Sharing skills and talents in ways that are valued by others reinforces self-worth.
Yet, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of people without disabilities. Too often, outdated assumptions about ability or accommodation prevent employers from seeing the real potential in candidates.
Inclusion at MAC Midwest
We believe workplaces should reflect the communities they serve. At MAC Midwest, that means:
- Hiring inclusively: We welcome applicants with diverse abilities and create roles that focus on strengths.
- Providing accommodations: From flexible scheduling to communication supports, we ensure every employee can succeed.
- Building culture: Our values of compassion, inclusivity, and progress guide how we work together as colleagues.
- Investing in growth: Just like with our learners, we see employment as a pathway to personal and professional development.
When staff with lived experience of disability are part of our team, they enrich our care model. Their insights strengthen how we support families and challenge us to build an even more equitable workplace.
Preparing Learners for the Future
While we strive to model inclusive employment ourselves, we are also committed to preparing the next generation of workers. Our programs support learners by:
- Building life and vocational skills that translate into independence.
- Partnering with families to explore strengths and future career goals.
- Advocating with schools, employers, and policymakers for inclusive hiring practices.
This dual focus on both our employees and our learners reflects our belief that inclusion must start from within and ripple outward into the community.
Resources for Employers and Families
Creating inclusive workplaces is a community effort. Whether you are an employer building accessible hiring practices or a family preparing a young adult for their first job, here are some excellent resources:
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Practical guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment.
- U.S. Department of Labor – NDEAM Toolkit – Posters, graphics, and sample messages to promote inclusion.
- Autism @ Work Playbook – Best practices for hiring and supporting employees on the spectrum.
- Disability:IN – Corporate partner network offering resources on disability inclusion and accessibility.
- PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition & Employment – Guides for families preparing youth with disabilities for work.
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – Employment Resources – Centered on self-advocacy and workplace rights.
- WIOA State Resources – Supports for youth and adults with disabilities seeking training and employment (with local offices in MN, IA, and WI).
Moving Forward
NDEAM is not just about one month. It is about sparking conversations that lead to change all year long. At MAC Midwest, we are committed to being both a provider and an employer that champions inclusion.
Because when every person’s talents are recognized, workplaces grow stronger, and so do communities.
👉 Want to learn more about NDEAM? Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
