October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In The News
min read
October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. And lest you think the only people this affects favorably are those who have found jobs that match their individual skill sets, the fact is their employers and the general population of the United States benefit, too.
Helping People Succeed, the nonprofit that’s been making a difference on the Treasure Coast for more than half a century, has two programs that match employers and employees: Successful Futures and Project Search.
As Suzy Hutcheson, CEO of Helping People Succeed says, “Many people have asked us, what can a person with a disability do in the workforce of today - our answer is just about anything.”
Shannon Wilson is Director of Successful Futures at the nonprofit. She receives referrals from Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation which in turn are matched up with clients of Helping People Succeed who have the physical, cognitive and sensory skills to do the job.
Helping People Succeed, the nonprofit that’s been making a difference on the Treasure Coast for more than half a century, has two programs that match employers and employees: Successful Futures and Project Search.
As Suzy Hutcheson, CEO of Helping People Succeed says, “Many people have asked us, what can a person with a disability do in the workforce of today - our answer is just about anything.”
Shannon Wilson is Director of Successful Futures at the nonprofit. She receives referrals from Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation which in turn are matched up with clients of Helping People Succeed who have the physical, cognitive and sensory skills to do the job.
Because there is great care taken to make successful matches, it can take 3-4 months for a client to find a job. Employers will get referrals that include:
This can continue throughout the client’s entire working career if it is requested. Businesses that have trouble hiring competent workers are often pleasantly surprised when they offer someone with a disability the chance to work for them.
Helping People Succeed’s other initiative, Project Search, is offered in conjunction with the Martin County School District. It’s a one-year transition program for students aged 18-21 who have graduated from high school. It takes place in a business setting in which the interns are totally immersed, allowing them to become employable with competitive work skills. Individualized job development and placement is on-going and based on strengths, skills and interests.
Hutcheson likes to say that Helping People Succeed creates taxpayers. And although October is National Disability Employment Awareness month, the nonprofit works every day of the year to help people with disabilities become accepted, included and valued employees.
- Matching their needs with the abilities and skills of applicants
- Providing on-site training for the new employee
- Providing follow-up and on-going support services both to the newly hired employee and the employer to ensure job placement satisfaction
This can continue throughout the client’s entire working career if it is requested. Businesses that have trouble hiring competent workers are often pleasantly surprised when they offer someone with a disability the chance to work for them.
Helping People Succeed’s other initiative, Project Search, is offered in conjunction with the Martin County School District. It’s a one-year transition program for students aged 18-21 who have graduated from high school. It takes place in a business setting in which the interns are totally immersed, allowing them to become employable with competitive work skills. Individualized job development and placement is on-going and based on strengths, skills and interests.
Hutcheson likes to say that Helping People Succeed creates taxpayers. And although October is National Disability Employment Awareness month, the nonprofit works every day of the year to help people with disabilities become accepted, included and valued employees.
