Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the many contributions and achievements of employees with disabilities. While we celebrate, there are still many people with disabilities who would like to be employed but aren’t so please keep reading!

Employees with disabilities are dependable, loyal, and eager to learn—and research shows that their inclusion in the workforce improves overall employee retention rate and morale. According to the Harvard Business Review—"Disability as a source of Competitive Advantage”, their research suggests that having employees with disabilities in its workforce can build a firm’s competitive advantage in four ways: (1) Disabilities often confer unique talents that make people better at particular jobs; (2) the presence of employees with disabilities elevates the culture of the entire organization, making it more collaborative and boosting productivity; (3) a reputation for inclusiveness enhances a firm’s value proposition with customers, who become more willing to build long-term relationships with the company; (4) being recognized as socially responsible.

Helping People Succeed, the nonprofit that’s been making a difference on the Treasure Coast for more than half a century in the employment for people with disabilities arena and other valuable services leading to employment.

First, we offer employers in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Indian River counties the opportunity to explore and hire someone with a disability. We have many businesses that the employer can contact to see what their experience has been. They will gain the confidence they need to hire someone with different abilities.

Secondly, we offer employers individuals who match the needs with the abilities and skills necessary; we provide on-site training for the new employer (if needed) and we provide on-going support services to ensure a successful job placement for the employee and employer.

In addition to job placement services, Helping People Succeed offers additional opportunities leading to employment including:

PROJECT SEARCH—a school year internship program with Cleveland Clinic in collaboration with the Martin County School District, the ARC of the Treasure Coast and Helping People Succeed. The purpose is to provide real world training leading to employment.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS)—an opportunity for those with mental health issues continue with their therapy services as well as employment.

Career Camps—offered during the summer and specific holidays for students to experience opportunities as they reach adulthood. Included are excursions to the various educational institutions in our area; visits to small and large businesses to learn what was available and traveling to various museums, libraries and other generic resources that are available to everyone.

Helping People Succeed has the answers to the needs of employers as well as students and adults with disabilities. Our slogan is “We create taxpayers”.

Call Shannon Wilson, Successful Futures, at 772.320.0832 to see how we may assist you!