Every October, Jay Nolan celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive employment practices.
The theme of NDEAM 2024 is ‘Access to Good Jobs for All,’ which focuses on creating better employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Jay Nolan’s mission is supporting people to live independently, and for some, having a job is a huge part of that. It is important to recognize that everyone deserves the same access to and opportunity for well-paying, quality jobs.
This year, we want to highlight jest a few people supported through Jay Nolan’s Employment Services who are working in their communities.
Eddie
Eddie has been working at Petco for over 20 years and has been a dedicated and hard-working employee since day one. These days, his daily tasks include dusting, sweeping, mopping, cleaning tables, and taking the trash out. Eddie always fulfills his job requirements with precision and attention to detail and is a model employee for new hires. Not to mention those who have been long-term staff!
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- Eddie says that the work he does relaxes him and he looks forward to every work day.
Ilene
With 28 years of experience working at UCLA, Ilene has become the expert at data processing. As one of the senior clerks in Engagement Operations, Ilene is responsible for scanning and sorting archived data into a digital format. She loves how much independence working has granted her, both personally and financially.
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- “Dreams are the first paycheck.” – Ilene
Michael
After completing his education in 2000, Michael immediately transitioned into the workforce and has been working for McDonald’s ever since. 24 years later and Michael is still an exemplary employee with a love for his work. His schedule consists of cleaning tables, chairs, kiosks, windows, and the drink bar, along with packaging Happy Meal boxes. He is known for working diligently and always with a smile on his face.
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- One of the cleanest restaurants you’ll ever go to
Everyone Can Contribute
All of us have unique gifts that we can share with the world, and everyone has a talent that can be applied towards the community. Becoming a society where every member contributes means we must start seeing all people as capable. When we take the time to teach and engage, everyone benefits.
Our Promise
When a supported person expresses a desire to join the workforce, Jay Nolan’s response will always be: ‘Let’s do it! Let’s figure out the first step!’ Every individual deserves access to a meaningful life, and if employment is part of that, then we make it our mission to work alongside someone until they achieve it.
Click here to learn more about Employment Services at Jay Nolan
