Care Design NY members are sharing their employment journey stories to elevate disability employment awareness. These stories describe the diverse experiences of people with disabilities and the employers that are benefiting from the dedication these talented individuals bring to their professional roles.
Did you know that one in four individuals in the U.S. have some type of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)? Did you know the employment rate for a New Yorker with a disability (age 18 – 64) is 31.2% compared to 72% for a person without a disability, resulting in a gap of 40.8% according to New York State (click here)? The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected many who have already faced significant barriers to employment, compounding their economic hardships.
We must use our voices and advocate for creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces by becoming informed on the value of hiring people with disabilities.
A person with a disability recently summed it up the best by stating, “my disabilities do not define me. My abilities do.”
Please join us in widening the lens by elevating awareness on what needs to be done to remove barriers in the workplace, so individuals who have a disability have the opportunity to access meaningful and well-paying jobs. Do you know an organization that is moving the dial on disability employment by removing barriers?
Care Design NY member, and Individual & Family Liaison, Veronica, has been working with her DSPs since she was in middle school. Her DSPs and the Respite program she attended gave her the opportunity to be a part of the community. She attended different places and felt like she had the same experiences as everyone else did.
According to his mother, Sergio has been waiting for a bus to take him to school or a day program or a therapist appointment since he was just months old. She stated, "It suddenly dawned on me one day that Sergio would be waiting for a bus every day for the rest of his life, and I had better find him a comfortable place to sit while he does all that waiting." Select READ MORE to read Sergio's mother's heartwarming story!
Aidan demonstrated an interest in painting at a very young age that continues today. Now in his teen years, Aiden has developed a proficiency in art through the Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie NY and is exploring a variety of art mediums. While he prefers acrylics on canvas, he has created collages, Papier-mâché, and watercolors at the Center. Aidan recently entered the five unique and vibrant works below in the Kingston Annual Art competition.
Jose, a Care Design NY Member, is an artist who communicates visually through Graffiti. His interest began at age 15 when a cousin and high school friends introduced him to the lettering technique in their Bronx neighborhood. Sandra, Care Design NY Care Manager, stated, "I am so proud of Jose, I feel like his mother. He has a great support system. His family is behind him 100% and Alexandra, a member of his wonderful staff is outstanding."
Joe is an artist, poet, songwriter, author, and video producer and often has various projects in the works. Learn all about Joe, a Care Design NY Member, his mother Carol, and "Carol & Joe's Xtra-Ordinary Life," a long running cable series on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (mnn.org) that was conceived and produced by Joe and his mother.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, the coronavirus ravaged services for people with disabilities leaving many at risk. In a fortnight and without warning, people with I/DD lost the services that supported their being included in their communities.
Sunny and his entire dedicated team pulled together to find a solution. Care Design NY Care Manager Dyanna, describes the extra-ordinary effort by Sunny, his parents, medical team, and his employer to accommodate his schedule and provide support for his recovery and growth.