This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the extensive contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.

CRN is celebrating by highlighting a few individuals’ important roles and recognizing organizations that support and create inclusive workspaces for people with individuals.

Meet Wade!
Wade works for a grocery store as a bagger. Wade works hard to ensure all customers receive their groceries and escorts them to their cars. Wade enjoys working because he likes to feel independent, help people and socialize with his coworkers. He is also very proud of his uniform and name tag.

Meet Karla!
Karla works for a fast casual restaurant. She has many responsibilities, including bussing tables, cleaning high traffic areas, and food stocking. Her favorite part of her job is holding the door and greeting people! She feels very accomplished at the end of each shift, especially when she gets her tips!

Meet John!
John is retired from a grocery store. He was a dedicated employee for 20 years. Throughout those year, he remained in his favorite position as a bagger. He was able to help as many customers as possible and did so at three different locations. He enjoyed his conversations with different customers and really enjoyed spending time with his boss. In fact, it was his boss who first helped him apply for the job!

We are so proud of their hard work! Employment is for everyone and inclusion matters!

For support in the journey to employment, check out these organizations!

• CRN- Like Skills Program
• StarAbility Foundation- Vocational Training
• Employ U- Vocational Training , Job Placement, Education, & Advocacy
• Disability Rights Florida- Advocacy