America’s Workforce – Empowering All
Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2018 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “America’s Workforce – Empowering All!” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.
The Philadelphia “Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” Steering Committee is once again celebrating this event with a month of employment success stories. Each day we will be posting another success story about someone who is contributing to their community through employment. For those who have requested to receive our employment announcements, you will receive the link to the story in your mailbox. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the successes of people with disabilities working in our communities!
Greeting Cards by TyB!
October 19 – Tyrike B. (TyB)
Ty B is a self-advocate and self-employed haiku poet at the top of his game. Ty sells kiragami haiku greeting cards retail and wholesale. His business is thriving and growing. He had hoped to hire his first employee this year, and was expanding his skill set to include managing others. While he did not hire a team of his own this year, he has experienced unprecedented growth in sales of his greeting card line and began doing wholesale work. He also received RHD’s prestigious Barbara Foust award for most transformed participant – the cash portion of which went right back into his business!
Check out this slide show about Tyrike’s work:
Transcript for Tyrike’s slideshow:
Title Slide: [Picture of lace-style centerpiece with 8 hearts forming outer edge. In center, name Ty B with quote from Swami Sivananda] “Success is no accident. Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.”
Slide 2: [Tyrike standing outside] “A haiku poet at the top of his game “
Slide 3: [Tyrike taking a picture] “He gives his 100% to his business promotion.”
Slide 4: [Tyrike shaking hands with a man] “Working in retail…”
Slide 5: [Tyrike making a card] “…And wholesale.”
Slide 6: [People looking at cards Tyrike made] “In the community with customers.”
Slide 7: [Tyrike using an iPad] “Or at his desk filling large orders.”
Slide 8: [Tyrike and a woman, looking at presentation table] “His team supports his every move.”
Slide 9: [Tyrike holdin gup one of his items] “He is so proud his business is growing and thriving.”
~ Submitted by RHD – ID8