American Association of People with Disabilities’ Post

Teens and young adults in #Texas who have disabilities have an opportunity to get a paid internship this summer. The Texas Workforce Commission offers its Summer Earn and Learn program for students between the ages of 14 and 22. The students are placed with large and small businesses to earn a paycheck and learn valuable work experience. Joe Esparza, the commissioner representing employers, said all 28 workforce development boards across the state participate in recruiting students and employers "The employers are obviously benefiting because they're investing in their communities, and they get somebody who's motivated to work," Esparza explained. "I think having that opportunity gives these students a chance to interact with customers, to learn IT systems, to just engage in something that they are very interested in." He said more than 14,000 students have been placed in internships since the program started in 2017. More than 1,300 employers across Texas participated in the program last year, giving students hands-on experience. Some of the businesses include the Amarillo Zoo, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Odessa College. Esparza noted the internships last five to eight weeks and student participants attend work readiness training to prepare them for their work experiences. "We at the state level always encourage employers to get involved and create programs," Esparza emphasized. "In most every business, there's usually an opportunity to bring somebody in as an internship and it's a great opportunity for them to learn new skills and become part of the workforce there." Some of the students have been hired full-time by the companies at the end of their internships. #paidinternships #internships

Teens and young adults in #Texas who have disabilities have an opportunity to get a paid internship this summer. The Texas Workforce Commission offers its Summer Earn and Learn program for students between the ages of 14 and 22. The students are placed with large and small businesses to earn a paycheck and learn valuable work experience. Joe Esparza, the commissioner representing employers, said all 28 workforce development boards across the state participate in recruiting students and employers "The employers are obviously benefiting because they're investing in their communities, and they get somebody who's motivated to work," Esparza explained. "I think having that opportunity gives these students a chance to interact with customers, to learn IT systems, to just engage in something that they are very interested in." He said more than 14,000 students have been placed in internships since the program started in 2017. More than 1,300 employers across Texas participated in the program last year, giving students hands-on experience. Some of the businesses include the Amarillo Zoo, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Odessa College. Esparza noted the internships last five to eight weeks and student participants attend work readiness training to prepare them for their work experiences. "We at the state level always encourage employers to get involved and create programs," Esparza emphasized. "In most every business, there's usually an opportunity to bring somebody in as an internship and it's a great opportunity for them to learn new skills and become part of the workforce there." Some of the students have been hired full-time by the companies at the end of their internships. #internships

October may be Disability Employment Awareness Month, but at TKU, it’s an everyday effort. Our work-readiness programs prepare neurodiverse students to confidently deliver on real-world client projects. But even our best efforts can fall short if employers aren’t willing to recognize the unique talents and perspectives that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table. We're proud to collaborate with forward-thinking companies like Infosys Foundation USA, AMC Networks, Con Edison, and many others that recognize the value of neurodiversity in the workplace. Here's how your company can create real opportunities for inclusive employment through Tech Kids Unlimited's programs: 💻️ TKU Digital Agency: Hire our team of tech-savvy, neurodiverse creatives for your next project. Whether it’s web design, social media content, or product feedback, our students are ready to tackle your creative tech projects. ☀️ CRISP Summer Internship Program: Partner with us to offer our neurodiverse young adults a hands-on internship experience, and in turn, get your summer creative projects completed at no cost. Let’s move beyond awareness and take action toward creating meaningful, inclusive employment opportunities. Email us at info@techkidsunlimited.org to learn more. #DiversityAndInclusion #Neurodiversity #NDEAM #DisabilityEmployment

Have you considered developing an internship program that leverages your local job training and employment organizations that help place students and other candidates with disabilities? David Sarchet has just published a great blog with practical takeaways that will help you establish some of your program parameters. Also check the comments - I'll post a link to the US Gov. Job Training and Employment page that includes a list of organizations that can connect you to candidates. #DEI #DEIA #workplaceinclusion #Accessibility https://lnkd.in/egJM5Zft

👋 This week is National Inclusion Week hosted by Inclusive Employers. 👨👩👦 This years theme is #ImpactMatters which highlights the incredible changes inclusion brings. For employers, hosting supported internships has sparked organisation-wide transformation, proving just how powerful inclusion can be. For our interns, gaining employment has been life-changing, boosting the confidence and livelihoods of young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions. #NiW #InternshipsWork

🤔 What do Richard Branson, Emma Watson and Stevie Wonder have in common? They have all publicly declared a disability and are yet to be defined by it. 🟠 Here at DFN Project Search our mission is to get young adults with learning disabilities or autism spectrum conditions into jobs through supported internships. One of the biggest challenges we face is the stigma surrounding disability and capability. 🚧 As a result, we are searching for Employer Ambassadors to help raise awareness of supported internships and break down barriers within their business to enable opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. 🍿 If you work within a business and are passionate about diversity and inclusion, become an employer ambassador today by watching our online training video and followed by our short 10 minute assessment. 👉 Click here to become an employer ambassador: https://lnkd.in/ewK8TJQU #learningdisabilities #autism

According to a study completed by the National Autistic Society, over a third of employers thought that an autistic person would be unlikely to fit into their team. But why? As the report goes on to highlight: 'These are damaging stereotypes, which can impact the ability of autistic people to find employment. It can make them less likely to disclose their diagnosis to either a prospective or current employer, and so not get access to crucial reasonable adjustments.' But we're working to change that. We work with employers everyday to show that being inclusive, diverse, and accessible doesn't have to be difficult. Our Supported Internships perfectly demonstrate this, where over 70% of interns are offered permanent employment by the end! #ActFearlesslyForChange #AutismAwarenessMonth #Autism #Employment #Change

🌟 Passionate about fighting ableism? Read on! 🌟 🚫 Ableism Alert! 🚫 Did you know that ableism still persists in our society, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting opportunities? As someone who believes in equality and inclusivity, this issue hits close to home. 🌟 The Shocking Fact: Recently, I came across a situation that left me speechless. Despite progress, ableism continues to rear its ugly head. Whether it’s assumptions about someone’s abilities or exclusion based on disability, we must address it head-on. 🌎 Our Collective Responsibility: It’s not enough to be non-ableist ourselves; we must actively challenge stereotypes and advocate for change. Let’s create a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued—regardless of their abilities. 🔍 Educate and Empower: Spread awareness. Educate others about the negative impact of ableism. Share stories of resilience and triumph. Let’s break down barriers and build bridges of understanding. 🙌 Together, We Can: Join me in this fight. Let’s dismantle ableism, one conversation, one action at a time. Together, we can create a more compassionate, inclusive world. Remember, our strength lies in unity. Let’s end ableism—for good! 🌟

🔊 Did you know there are roughly 270,000 people with a learning disability and 545,000 people with an autism spectrum condition in Scotland, yet only 4.1% of people with a learning disability are in employment, and it is estimated that only 29% of autistic people are - that is compared to 80% of their peers. ♻ At DFN Project SEARCH we bring together partnerships who provide a sustainable supported internship opportunity for people with a learning disability and/or autism spectrum condition to help them successfully enter and stay in full time, paid employment... but as you can see, there are many local authority areas without this provision which means that only some individuals get to have access to this life changing opportunity. 🔎 Our supported internship programme is evidence-based and results-focused. Our most recent data saw 63% of our interns secure full-time, non-seasonal jobs paid at a prevailing wage within an integrated workplace: with an additional 9% securing paid employment. That equates to a total of 72% of our interns entering the labour market across Scotland. Imagine the impact we could have in helping to reduce the disability employment gap year on year if every Local Authority area had a supported internship on offer for these incredible individuals! 📮 If you know of a business who is keen to help reduce the disability employment gap and would like to know more about the positive impact of running a supported internship, or you know someone interested in supporting or applying for our current provisions, please get in touch! 🤲 Our aim is to eliminate the postcode lottery and provide this opportunity for all and ultimately increase choice across Scotland. #inclusionrevolution #supportedinternships #inclusiveopportunities

Civic literacy is the ability to understand and participate in civic life. Civic literacy encompasses the knowledge and understanding of civic responsibilities, rights, and the functioning of government and society. It involves being informed about political processes, including how laws are made, the role of different branches of government, and the importance of active citizenship in a democracy. Civic literacy also includes understanding the history and values that shape a nation's political system, as well as being able to critically analyze and engage with information from diverse sources. A civic literate individual is equipped to participate meaningfully in civic life, including voting, engaging in public discourse, and advocating for social change. Moreover, civic literacy fosters a sense of civic duty and empowers individuals to contribute positively to their communities and society at large. #talentserve #internship #civicliteracy #techeducation