NDEAM and the value of work

Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) highlights the contributions workers with disabilities make and the value they bring to the workforce. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the unique skills, experience and perspectives these workers contribute to workplaces, communities and the nation’s economy.

Workers with disabilities bring valuable skills, including problem-solving, communication, creative thinking and organization. NDEAM is also an opportunity to recognize the challenges people may face in finding and sustaining employment, and the resources that can help make the process more manageable.

For many people with disabilities, returning to work can be a significant milestone. Employment can offer financial independence, professional development and social connection. It can also help people explore their interests, discover new career options and find meaningful work. Some return to a previous career, while others develop new skills or change careers to find work that better fits their abilities and circumstances. Each path is different, and the contributions workers make are part of the value NDEAM celebrates.

Building inclusive workplaces

Inclusive workplaces help employees contribute their skills and advance their careers. Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications that help people with disabilities perform essential job functions. Depending on a person’s needs and responsibilities, these may include modified schedules, assistive technology, accessible workplaces or changes to how tasks are performed.

Open communication can help employers understand accommodation needs and find solutions that work for both employees and the workplace. Inclusion also means making hiring and career development accessible: clear job expectations, accessible application processes, and equal access to training, mentorship and advancement can help workers demonstrate their qualifications and develop their skills.

Support should extend to existing employees who develop disabilities or whose needs change. Disability inclusion means recognizing people for their qualifications and contributions and giving them a fair chance to participate, grow and succeed.

Employer survey data reported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network identifies benefits of accommodations including retaining valuable employees, improving productivity and morale, reducing workers’ compensation and training costs, and increasing workforce diversity. The SHRM Foundation also reports that 93% of employees say their organization is a better place to work because it is disability friendly.

Returning to work with benefits questions

For people receiving Social Security disability benefits, returning to work can feel exciting and intimidating. Income is a common concern: Will earning a paycheck cause benefits to stop immediately? Others may have questions about healthcare coverage or worry about what happens if a work attempt is unsuccessful. These concerns can make it hard to know where to start.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers work incentives that can help eligible beneficiaries try employment while maintaining certain benefit protections during the transition. One example is the Trial Work Period. Eligible beneficiaries can use it to test their ability to work for up to nine non-consecutive months and continue receiving full benefits regardless of earnings.

Learning how work incentives apply to an individual’s circumstances can help make decisions about employment feel more manageable. Benefits questions, including concerns about income, healthcare coverage and an unsuccessful attempt, are part of the return-to-work process; people do not have to resolve them before exploring their options.

How Ticket to Work provides support

The Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program is free and voluntary for adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to return to work. Eligible participants can receive employment services from an Employment Network (EN) or a state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency at no cost.

An EN or state VR agency can tailor support to a person’s goals and circumstances. Services may include benefits counseling, help with resumes and job searches, interview preparation, and guidance on requesting accommodations. Providers can also help participants understand how Social Security work incentives apply to their situations.

With personalized support, people do not have to navigate employment options and benefits questions alone. A knowledgeable professional can help them work toward employment goals and make the return-to-work process feel more manageable.