#disability employment awareness month

[nationwidechildrenshospital]

"As a mother of an autistic child, I can relate to parents who have children with disabilities every day in the pharmacy. I believe this helps me develop deeper and more understanding relationships with families. By employing people who relate to our patients, I believe we can build trusting relationships with those we treat."

Erin Lupton, Pharmacy Educator, Ambulatory Pharmacy

[murderousink23]

10/01/2022 is National Cyber Security Awareness Month 🌏, Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🌏, Día del Pasillo Ecuatoriano 🇪🇨, International Raccoon Appreciation Day 🌏, Astronomy Day 🌏, International Coffee Day 🌏, National Hair Day 🇺🇲, National Homemade Cookies Day 🇺🇲, Disability Employment Awareness Month 🇺🇲, Polish American Heritage Month 🇺🇲, National Pizza Month 🇺🇲, Fire Pup Day 🇺🇲, National Dental Hygiene Month 🇺🇲, LGBT History Month 🇺🇲, World Vegetarian Day 🇬🇧, National Bookshop Day 🇬🇧, Unblocktober 🇬🇧, Black History Month 🇬🇧, International Day of Older Persons 🇺🇳

[missmitchieg]

So, fun fact! October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Less fun fact! A February 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report confirms that across all age groups, persons with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no disability and almost twice as likely to be employed only part time.

A second less fun fact! Businessess that recieve a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Wage and Hour Devision are authorized to pay disabled workers whose "earning or productive capacity is impaired" less than the minimum wage.

[mosscaller]

Being disabled is a nightmare, especially when you cannot afford a diagnosis or doctor visits. I've struggled for years, and have ways to cope with my disabilities, as best I can.

...but they don't always work.

There shouldn't be so many hurdles just to get the help I desperately need. I'm not faking this for attention. I don't want sympathy. I just want to figure out why my body is failing. I can't work.

I can barely walk without my cane.

Every morning is a struggle to wake up. Take my pup out to the backyard for a walk, and make sure his needs are met. Even if I'm overwhelmed by pain.

I barely eat most days. But I try to exist.

I'm anemic and hate pain meds. They make me dizzy and nauseous. Plus addiction runs in my family. It's a slippery slope and I do not want to go down that road, but enduring this level of pain every day is too much.

I hate it.

But the people in my life do their best to help me and ensure I don't have to worry. It just bothers me that I'm limited by my body.

I wish I knew why this was happening.

[ndb-123]

October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). To commemorate NDEAM, I wrote an article last month about my experience trying to get to an internship interview in 2020. I faced employment inaccessibility for the first time, not in the workplace but during the commute to the building.

[mirletaliz]

#Inclusivity & #Equity for all is important! People with different abilities CAN work and earn their own living *IF* employers make the positions accessible! #DisabilityEmploymentMonth #DisabilityAwareness

https://disabilityin.org/announcements/2023-disability-employment-awareness-month/ Building Inclusive and Equitable Businesses for All: Join Disability:IN in Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month (#DEAM) Multiple activities celebrating disability employment as the future of work.  October marks Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), a time when we recognize the critical contributions people with disabilities bring to the workplace.

[michaelgabrill]

National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Addressing Misconceptions of Depression

The month of October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The NDEAM observance was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress in efforts to raise awareness of disability employment needs and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. This year’s NDEAM theme, chosen by the Office […] from NASA https://ift.tt/tNpOdv8

[nasa]

For the Benefit of All: Assistive Tech Developed from NASA Tech

What do modern cochlear implants and robotic gloves have in common? They were derived from NASA technology. We’ve made it easier to find and use our patented inventions that could help create products that enhance life for people with disabilities.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights the contributions of American workers with disabilities – many of whom use assistive technology on the job. Take a look at these assistive technologies that are NASA spinoffs.

Low-Vision Headsets

The Joint Optical Reflective Display (JORDY) device is a headset that uses NASA image processing and head-mounted display technology to enable people with low vision to read and write. JORDY enhances individuals’ remaining sight by magnifying objects up to 50 times and allowing them to change contrast, brightness, and display modes. JORDY's name was inspired by Geordi La Forge, a blind character from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” whose futuristic visor enabled him to see.

Cochlear Implants

Work that led to the modern cochlear implant was patented by a NASA engineer in the 1970s. Following three failed corrective surgeries, Adam Kissiah combined his NASA electronics know-how with research in the Kennedy Space Center technical library to build his own solution for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. Several companies now make the devices, which have been implanted in hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Robotic Gloves

Ironhand, from Swedish company Bioservo Technologies, is the world’s first industrial-strength robotic glove for factory workers and others who perform repetitive manual tasks. It helps prevent stress injuries but has been especially warmly received by workers with preexisting hand injuries and conditions. The glove is based on a suite of patents for the technology developed by NASA and General Motors to build the hands of the Robonaut 2 humanoid robotic astronaut.

Smart Glasses

Neurofeedback technology NASA originally developed to improve pilots’ attention has been the basis for products aimed at helping people manage attention disorders without medication. The devices measure brainwave output to gauge attention levels according to the “engagement index” a NASA engineer created. Then, they show the results to users, helping them learn to voluntarily control their degree of concentration. One such device is a pair of smart glasses from Narbis, whose lenses darken as attention wanes.

Anti-Gravity Treadmills

A NASA scientist who developed ways to use air pressure to simulate gravity for astronauts exercising in space had the idea to apply the concept for the opposite effect on Earth. After licensing his technology, Alter-G Inc. developed its anti-gravity G-Trainer treadmill, which lets users offload some or all of their weight while exercising. The treadmills can help people recover from athletic or brain injuries, and they allow a safe exercise regimen for others with long-term conditions such as arthritis.

Wireless Muscle Sensors

Some of the most exciting assistive technologies to spin off may be yet to come. Delsys Inc. developed electromyographic technology to help NASA understand the effects of long-term weightlessness on astronauts’ muscles and movements. Electromyography detects and analyzes electrical signals emitted when motor nerves trigger movement. Among the company’s customers are physical therapists developing exercise routines to help patients recover from injuries. But some researchers are using the technology to attempt recoveries that once seemed impossible, such as helping paralyzed patients regain movement, letting laryngectomy patients speak, and outfitting amputees with artificial limbs that work like the real thing.  

To further enhance the lives of people with disabilities, NASA has identified a selection of patented technologies created for space missions that could spur the next generation of assistive technology here on Earth.

Want to learn more about assistive technologies already in action? Check out NASA Spinoff to find products and services that wouldn’t exist without space exploration.   

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[chronicbitchsyndrome]

maybe im just not cool like the trendy disabled bloggers constantly posting exaggerated violent threats on here or w/e but i just don't see problems with people joking about july as queer wrath month. most months are multiple things. april is autism acceptance month and child abuse prevention month and national poetry month. hell, if you want this specific overlap, october is lgbt history month and disability employment awareness month (it's also the uk's black history month). it's not ~stealing valor~ for queer wrath and disability pride to be the same month, and if it was then we'd have to also have a conversation about how irish-americans and colon cancer patients are stealing valor from women in march, or something. don't be a dick.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA if I quit my retail job on black Friday?

I, 16(non-binary), have worked at a craft store for the past few months. For the most part I really enjoy my job, and work there with one of my friends. The issue is my manager, 35(f), who is not the best. I don't want to speak badly of her, as I don't know what she might be going through outside of work. However, her behavior has been just unprofessional and rude. She texts with many, many grammer errors to the point where half of her messages are borderline illegible. When I first joined, I wasn't trained properly by her. I was honestly not really trained at all, just sort of tossed onto the cash register, despite this being my first time working retail. Alongside that, there have been a few incidents between me and her. A notable one was when I called out for work due to some physical disabilities I have. I'm diagnosed with POTS syndrome, and AMPS (Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome.) My manager is aware of this, and one day I called out because the physical pain I was in made it difficult to walk. Both my mom and my doctor advised me to stay home, so house before my shift, I called the store and told her I wouldn't be able to come in. She berraded me on this and told me that if this happened again, she would have to 'stop scheduling me for shifts' or fire me. I do work in an at will employment state, so this is legal. It just kinda sucks. The assistant managers were more than understanding as to why I had to call in sick, and honestly, those assistant managers are why I haven't put in my two weeks yet. The next time I came in for work, my manager was extremely sick, I even had a customer complain that she coughed on them. The manager then told me that "She was here, even though she was sick." The way she said it felt like an attack on my absence to my previous shift, and honestly really hurt.

Now here comes the part where I might be the a-hole. Black Friday is tomorrow, and I'm scheduled from 2-9:30. This is fine. the only issue is we have a huge snowstorm on its way. (Actually, it's already started and is snowing where I am.) My mom is my main form of transportation, and if she isn't able to take me to work, I take an Uber. My mom also works as a 911 dispatcher and has told me that worst-case scenario, she could get snowed into work tomorrow because of how bad the roads are expected to be. This has happened before, and if this were to happend state patrol would advise her, and everyone really that it's not gonna be safe to drive. So I'm preparing to call out for work tomorrow, which I know my manager is going to hate, as she's drilled me and other employees on the importance of showing up tomorrow, despite the snowstorm. Depending on her reaction, I might honestly just quit on the spot. Would I be the a-hole if I did this?

What are these acronyms?

[fancypersonperson]

Exploring the Impact of Disability Pride Month: A Closer Look

Introduction

July marks the celebration of Disability Pride Month, a time dedicated to honoring the unique experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities. This month-long observance is not just a celebration but a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards inclusion, acceptance, and advocacy. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the impact of Disability Pride Month, its history, and how it continues to shape society.

The Origins of Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month began as an offshoot of the broader disability rights movement, which gained momentum in the late 20th century. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, was a pivotal moment in this movement, laying the foundation for disability rights and anti-discrimination laws in the United States. Disability Pride Month was established to coincide with this landmark event, serving as a time to celebrate the achievements of the disability community and to continue advocating for equal rights.

Raising Awareness and Challenging Stigmas

One of the most significant impacts of Disability Pride Month is its role in raising awareness and challenging societal stigmas. Despite progress, people with disabilities often face misconceptions and discrimination. Disability Pride Month provides a platform to educate the public about the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities, breaking down stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive mindset.

Empowering Individuals and Communities

Disability Pride Month empowers individuals with disabilities by fostering a sense of community and belonging. It encourages people to embrace their identities, share their stories, and take pride in their achievements. This empowerment extends beyond the individual, strengthening the broader disability community and reinforcing the importance of solidarity and mutual support.

Advocacy and Policy Change

The visibility and momentum generated during Disability Pride Month play a crucial role in advocacy efforts. Activists and organizations leverage this period to push for policy changes and greater accessibility. These efforts have led to significant advancements in areas such as transportation, education, employment, and healthcare. By highlighting ongoing challenges and advocating for solutions, Disability Pride Month contributes to meaningful and lasting change.

Celebrating Achievements and Contributions

Disability Pride Month is also a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities across various fields. From artists and athletes to scientists and activists, people with disabilities have made remarkable contributions to society. By shining a spotlight on these accomplishments, Disability Pride Month inspires future generations and underscores the value of diversity and inclusion.

Fostering Inclusivity and Acceptance

Ultimately, the impact of Disability Pride Month extends to fostering a more inclusive and accepting society. It encourages everyone to recognize and value the unique perspectives and talents that individuals with disabilities bring to the table. Inclusivity benefits everyone, creating a richer, more diverse community where all members can thrive.

Conclusion

Disability Pride Month is a powerful celebration that goes beyond recognition; it drives awareness, empowerment, advocacy, and inclusivity. As we observe Disability Pride Month, let us reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the work that still needs to be done, and commit to creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. By embracing the spirit of Disability Pride Month, we honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of the disability community, paving the way for a brighter future.

[nationwidechildrenshospital]

“The CapABLE Employee Resource Group aims to foster an environment of inclusion through education and resources to employees with a disability and those who work with or have family members with a disability. I hope that as an organization we can continue to help foster an environment of inclusion and education for Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the community.”

Shojuana Mertz, Behavioral Health Operations Site Supervisor, Community Behavioral Health Administration

[metalheadsforblacklivesmatter]

Disability pride month post

It is completely legal and not an ADA violation for potential employers to deny a disabled person a job or accommodations if they can argue that the accommodations requires are "unreasonable" and cause "undo hardship" to the company.

A potential employer can look you in the eye. Tell you "I'm not hiring you because you're disabled". Fill out and sign a notarized memo saying "I am not hiring this person because they're disabled". If they can prove that the person's disability will cause the company "undo hardship" to the company. So while yes. TECHNICALLY it's entirely possible for a person with cerebral palsy (using that disability as an example because it's the first one to come to my head) to work at Walmart scanning groceries. If the Walmart manager says "Yeah. But part of that job description is stocking shelves and if the person with cerebral palsy can't do it. Then I need to hire 2 people instead of one. And that'll put financial strain on the company."

I state this because a lot of disability requests get denied because the judge may say "This person could work as a hotel clerk or at a cleaning service." (Or any other number of jobs especially if the disabled person is capable of walking or standing).

But a lot of employers put strange shit like "put be able to lift 15 lbs over your head" for basic jobs like "data entry" even though no one in that job has ever needed to lift 15 lbs over their head. Because that way they can have an excuse to discriminate against disabled people.

(I'm not saying this because any of this is OKAY. I'm not okay with any of this. It's abelist bullshit. I'm only stating it to raise awareness. Because I've seen similar arguments used against hiring women. "We can't hire women because they aren't as strong. What if we needed someone to carry a 25lb server down a flight of stairs." Bitch, I've never had to carry a 25 server anywhere. Because I write fucking code not install servers.)

-fae

[dollsonmain]

I did not sleep at all last night. I even went and laid down in the guest room after That Guy got up where I usually pass right out but I didn't sleep in there, either.

I feel like All the Shit.

Long morning ramble.

Sleeping in a night cap is annoying but it's keeping my ends from being fried for longer. My hair's texture was already chef's kiss, now it's double chef's kiss.

-

That Guy said that he has to run the car tax payment to town on his way home from work today but DO NOT try to walk home if he's not there when I get off work because it's going to be nearly 100F and wait for him to pick me up.

He also said he'll have to start looking for another car, which should have been done a very, very long time ago because I could have been working as soon as Son expressed and demonstrated that I wasn't needed by him anymore. Don't take that the wrong way, I don't mean he said "I don't need you." he said things like he'd like to go to the bus stop by himself and has shown that he can be trusted on his own, etc.

I did intend to get my own car (or a truck), but if he buys one and doesn't expect me to pay for it (though he may expect me to pay for it) that lets me put more into savings for later.

I think That Guy is suddenly aware of how difficult he's made it for me to work all this time, which is interesting because I really did think he did it on purpose and then was blaming me.

He was saying that to drop me off and pick me up at the mail room job he'd only be able to work 4 hours a day. Granted he'd earn more in that four hours than I will in 12 hours even with this moderately big pay rate. And I was like yes, that's why I'd been limiting my job search to positions on your normal route (as he'd demanded), but this job pays much more per hour than any of the others I can do locally and I have experience which makes it more likely I'd get in, so it's worth the extra time and effort in my opinion.

$19.23/hr is THE highest income I've seen locally for almost ANY job, actually... There was one federal job that requires a TS clearance that pays like $65/hr, most are paying around $15 with some management positions offering $17 - $24. The gas station I'm at is actually one of the lowest at $10 though there are some places offering $8.50. Because they can.

He did say he'd thought it was a federal mail position and I'd get the Big Bennies and retirement but I'd just be an employee of Goodwill so not get the USPS packet. I'm not the only one that's been confused by how the job was listed.

The actually bennies:

50% Company-paid Health Insurance After 30 days of employment and begins the first day of the first month after employees’ first 30 days.

Company-paid Life Insurance

Company-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance

Dental Insurance – Guardian Dental

Vision Insurance – Davis Vision

Supplemental Insurances – Colonial Life and Legal Shield

401(k) – The company matches up to 4% of salary and is available for enrollment after six months of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Resource Assistance Program (RAP)

Direct Deposit

Vacation Leave – Twelve days of vacation available after 3 months of employment.

Sick Leave – 6 days that can be used after 30 days of employment.

Personal Days – 3 days that can be used starting on your first day.

Holiday Pay – 8 paid holidays after 30 days of employment.

That's not as good as federal, but is pretty good.

-

It's like he's only just now understanding what telling me to get insurance, which meant getting a job because he won't let the insurance companies look at his finances to prove that I can afford insurance and won't sell a policy to someone with less than $1k in the bank and no income, MEANS.

It means me being even more physically exhausted, in more pain, chores not getting done, falling asleep at the dinner table while eating....

He really did not expect me to throw myself out into the world like i have, and does not seem to have understood just how much of an inconvenience me working would be for him.

Like, he was crunching the numbers because he doesn't want to be thrown into a higher tax bracket even if it means more money coming in overall, but I think I'd be filing separately anyway so I can get back as much as possible without it being on a check in his name.

I wonder if the mail room folks get any sort of tax preparation deals since we're working IN an IRS office... Wouldn't that be nice to be able to say "It's my turn" and go sit down with an IRS prepper and do your taxes in person to be sure they're very correct?

So, I think I mentioned already the hours are 6:30-3 which is kind of nice as I do like getting my day over with early and I'd still be getting up at 3:30 with That Guy anyway so it's not like I'd have to change my sleep schedule at all.

The lady on the phone also cleared up some confusion for me about why the job listing said Goodwill, then IRS, and talking about custodial jobs????

So, I'd be an employee of Goodwill, and Goodwill contracts out those employees to other places, specifically the local Goodwill contracts out to federal and military establishments (the IRS building is on a small National Guard base so I do have to go through a checkpoint and get the car searched which is annoying and I hope I don't have to do that EVERY day, like I hope I get an ID card I just scan and can get in or something...) and their contract has been running so long with this IRS branch that Goodwill's sign is on the building.

The custodial job mention was them pointing anyone that IS severely disabled toward that job instead of the mail room position because the custodial job is slow paced which makes it suitable for people with developmental delays who may need more time to complete a task. But the whole job listing was a mess.

I do need to ask when the next bid is, because I could get hired on, the contract be rebid, and Goodwill lose which would leave me with no work until another contract was picked up, or could also mean a pay cut if they have to undercut another contractor to get the lowest bid and it's good to know what to expect.

She also said that some of the small mail crew, which is about 5 people (to me that is a lot because I'm used to being alone in the mail room) bring in knitting or crochet projects because it's slow now and then. That's generally when I would pick up a broom or a bottle of cleanser but I wouldn't mind crocheting at work :P

Also need to ask about lunch because the work day is exactly 8 hours so unless lunch is paid, I'd not be getting paid for 8 hours of work every day.

-

Anyway I've been feeling the guilt about maybe jumping jobs so soon (my start date would likely be mid August if not a little later), but I also helped find a vendor for something the gas station needed and that helps two people [who aren't me make more money... hm....] so I guess I don't feel too bad.

Manager asked me if I bake because people have been asking for fresh baked goods and I said no, I hate cooking and you can't make me do it, BUT I know that one of Son's classmates' moms bakes and is selling things through the local 7-11 so I'll ask if they'd be interested and they are. They should get in contact with the gas station any day now.

My suggestion is that the baker take some samples to the gas station and go talk to Manager in person, but I'm not the one running the business.

[burger-goblin]

omg hiiii my SNAP benefits were cancelled yaaaaay

tldr: my SNAP food benefits were cancelled due to unemployment and i need some financial assistance until i'm able to get on disability

ca$h4pp: $burgergoblin | v3nmo: Burger-Goblin

p4yp4l: gurberboglin (my credit union is accepted again! \o/)

full story under the cut

obviously i'm not actually happy about this, considering i was getting about $290 a month when the cost of groceries continues to increase. my roommate and i were making it work but we've still skipped a lot of meals. i called our local DHS late November to see if the amount could be increased, since i am unemployed for physical and mental health reasons and don't qualify for unemployment benefits.

i waited on hold for almost an hour, but was really excited when i actually connected with someone. i explained that i was no longer working with my previous employer due to my health, and was hoping to see if i was eligible for an increase in benefits for the time being. the woman who i spoke with was incredibly unhelpful, rude, and short with me, making me feel really small. only explained that my benefits could not and would not be increased. i told her in the most midwestern fashion, "oh, alright, that takes care of that then. thank you for your time and have a good day!" she responded with, "you too", and immediately disconnected the call. however, she didn't tell me she'd be cancelling my benefits. i wasn't made aware of this until the end of December. i feel bad for even calling at all, because now i have $0 coming in.

i'm looking into applying for disability benefits, either long-term or short-term, depending on what my doctor thinks is best. however, that will take some time, and a bitch gotta eat, y'know? even if it's just a pb&j a day.

my birthday is on the 18th and i was hoping to at least make myself something nice. i'm sure it'll all work out but y'all know me, i'm gonna panic about it until somethin' breaks (^: i love you all and if you read through this, i'm giving you the biggest smooch on the forehead 💚 thank you!!

[twistedmaiden]

My "friendly reminder" before people start getting mad about disability pride month not being taken the same as pride month is that there is NO official (USA) disability pride month. Disability pride month stuff online started because July is NEW YORKS (occasionally Chicago would have disability pride parades I believe in July too for ADA aniverseries) disability pride month and people took it as everyone's disability pride month. It's only been around for like 3-4 years (online, dunno when New York's started). So that's why so many people don't know about it. Other states have some in other months, for example, Indiana's disability month is March. Or disability employment awareness month is October.

(and before people get mad, I'm not say disability pride month is bad, it's good and July is a good month for it. I just HATE all those posts about "why didn't anyone tell me about this!?!!!" And "of COURSE disability pride month would be hidden!!" IT JUST STARTED BEING A THING)