News for August 2024
- Board Member Blog: National Senior Citizens Day
- NDEAM 2024
- DakotAbilities Mentoring Day
- Disability Inclusion Partner Awards
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National Senior Citizens Day
Hello! I’m Molly Keegan, Director of Adult Day Services at Active Generations. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Board Member with Employment Disability Resources for the past two years. The work of Employment Disability Resources is so important in our community as it brings continued awareness of the value individuals living with disabilities bring to our communities and workplaces. Enhanced workplace morale, innovation and inclusivity are just some of the incredible benefits EDR can help you discover when businesses hire individuals with disabilities.
I have worked at Active Generations for over seventeen years. Many of the individuals whom I have worked alongside and supported are those who are over the age of sixty. On August 21, 2024, the world honored older adults by celebrating National Senior Citizens Day. This day reminds us to recognize the wisdom and accomplishments of our older friends, family members and neighbors.
Get Ready for NDEAM 2024!
With less than two months until National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), ODEP has the resources to help businesses gear up.
The theme for 2024 is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” This October, organizations of all sizes in every industry will honor the contributions of America’s disabled workers and recommit to promoting supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.
So, how will your business take part this year?
A great way to start is by downloading or ordering the 2024 NDEAM poster. It’s available in English or Spanish and can be customized with your business’s name, logo and employee photos. (Please note that it is important to obtain consent if using photos for this purpose.)
On the NDEAM website, you’ll also find key messages, social media graphics and templates for newsletter articles and news releases, along with other resources and ideas for planning your organization’s observances. You can also view and share a short video about the NDEAM campaign.
Good jobs change lives. During NDEAM, we invite you to help spread the message that all workers—including workers with disabilities—deserve the opportunity to prepare for, obtain and succeed in good jobs. Beyond October, we hope you’ll continue to carry the NDEAM spirit all year round!
U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Disability Employment Policy
DRIVING CHANGE • CREATING OPPORTUNITY
Second Annual Mentoring Day
Employment Disability Resources, in partnership with DakotAbilities, hosted Mentoring Day on Wednesday, August 21 from 9:30-11:30 am. Six local businesses including: PetSmart, Nyberg’s ACE, Great Plains Zoo, Avera Health, Schulte Subaru, and Serendipity Studio provided mentors for six job seekers with disabilities from DakotAbilities for a morning of job shadowing. Job shadowing allows people with disabilities to find opportunities that align with their interests and abilities. For the employers, the event introduces them to potential employees they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to meet.
Vocational Rehabilitation counselors were present at each of the job sites. Everyone gathered together at DakotAbilities for a wrap-up session and lunch.
One of the business mentors, artist Elizabeth Lindquist, shared that her favorite aspect of the morning was, “getting to know and work with someone else and show them what I know.” Mentee, Sarah, stated, “It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed seeing behind the scenes at PetSmart and what they do. It made me want to come out with a bunch of animals, especially kitties. It was an awesome experience.”
“Employment Disability Resources strives to build confidence in job seekers with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to job shadow with professionals, and learn more about the skills and abilities they possess. We hope the businesses that host the mentees will see these talented, qualified individuals as potential employees, and make a commitment to hiring more employees with disabilities,” says Vicki Stewart, the executive director at Employment Disability Resources.
“Teaming up with Vicki at Employment Disability Resources expands our current employer relationships, and it’s wonderful for the people we support to have more options and unique opportunities, especially as Sioux Falls continues to grow. This is a win/win as we help adults with disabilities discover their potential while educating our community about how they can be assets to their business, especially as Sioux Falls continues to experience low unemployment rates,” adds Nathan Stallinga, executive director of DakotAbilities.
Employment Disability Resources is proud to offer the Disability Inclusion Partner program!
- Harvard Integrations, Tea
- Buddies & Co., Brandon
For more information about employing individuals with disabilities, please contact:
Vicki Stewart, Executive Director
Employment Disability Resources
2900 W. 11th Street, Suite 101, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-215-1760 or [email protected]
