National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Each October, as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we take a moment to honor the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” resonates deeply with our mission to empower individuals with physical and developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives.
Ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to prepare for, secure, and thrive in meaningful employment isn’t just good for them; it is great for employers as well. Studies show that companies embracing disability inclusion have a better bottom line: 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and 2 times more economic profit compared to their peers.
As more leading employers across the U.S. recognize the strength of a disability-inclusive workforce, the momentum for change continues to grow. NDEAM, led by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, is not only a time to celebrate progress but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive job market.
If your business is interested in employing workers with disabilities, we can connect you with excellent candidates and work with you to ensure their – and your – success. Just reach out to us at qualityconnections.org/hire-workers/ or call us at (928) 773-8787.
This month, let’s do our part to commit to providing access to good jobs for everyone. When we do, we strengthen not only individual lives but also our communities and our economy as a whole.
Making Her Mark at Marshalls
As we kick off National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re excited to share the story of Jamie Nez, a member of Quality Connections who with the help of her Employment Specialist, Aryana Diaz, recently became employed by Marshalls, the discount department store chain.
Jamie, a Flagstaff native who will turn 41 in December, has spina bifida, a birth defect caused by the spine not properly developing in the womb.
Spina bifida can cause severe mobility problems, and Jamie says that she is fortunate that she can walk.
She joined Quality Connections with the goal of having more steady work. A previous job with a grocery store was interrupted by the pandemic and she also worked in a hotel, but could not get enough hours.
“I can’t just stay home; I need to go do something,” she said.
After joining Quality Connections, her first job was with our social enterprise division, QC Office, where Jamie helped deliver office supplies to government offices, schools and businesses in the greater Flagstaff area.
“It was an eye-opening experience because I had never done that type of work before,” she said. “I learned a lot.”
Then with Aryana, Jamie began the job search process for employment in the community.
They worked together to refine her resume and strengthen her interview skills. Jamie’s passion for customer service and organizing made her a perfect candidate for the retail sector, and a family friend’s recommendation to apply at Marshalls sparked her interest.
It took some persistence to get an interview with Marshalls, Jaime said, but once she was able to meet with a hiring manager, she was immediately offered a job, which she started about six weeks ago.
In that short time, her hard work was noticed, and when a position came open to be the team leader for the toy department in the store, Jamie was promoted. Her new responsibilities include inventory management and collaborating with her manager on seasonal setups.
“Jamie has a lot of energy,” said Marshalls Assistant Manager Sandra Stangland. “She is very friendly with the customers and we enjoy working with her.”
Store Manager Ben Gantt said Marshalls had enjoyed success hiring previous Quality Connection members and that the company is committed to inclusion and diversity in hiring.
The store culture also focuses on knowing who their employees are.
“We talk a lot about people’s ‘ands’,” he said, shorthand for the many facets of their workers. “It can be anything – I work at Marshalls and I’m a mother of three or I work here and I have a disability.”
For Jamie, working in the community isn’t just about the job; it’s also about the joy that comes with earning her own money. “I like to make money so I can do fun things like get my nails done or go to the movies,” she shared. She also stressed that she truly enjoys working with her colleagues, which is why she is enjoying this job so much.
Aryana emphasizes the importance of helping individuals like Jamie discover their strengths and interests. “Finding their skills is crucial,” Aryana explained. “It’s about helping someone identify what they enjoy and where they can excel.”
As Jamie continues to thrive in her role at Marshalls, she serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with support, determination, and a commitment to inclusion. We are proud to celebrate her success during National Disability Employment Awareness Month and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.
