October is here, and once again we are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM). Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” 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.T
Please help us in highlighting the accomplishments of all people with disabilities who are employed or have their own business by submitting success stories. We had a great response last year, and are now in search of more great stories as well as updates!
Success stories can be submitted through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/666Z55P.
October 25, 2019: The Power of First Impressions… – Linda Dezenski
A good orientation or “onboarding” process can help new employees feel welcome on the job and make them more productive. Today’s story exemplifies how extending consideration of a person’s potential needs can make this process even more important and contribute to a person’s desire to succeed.
Linda’s Story:
I was laid off from a disability services organization and took a job with a small private foundation. I was interviewed in November and received an offer to start the first of December 2014.
Before I started, the woman who trained me asked me to come in for a couple of hours so that I could tour the office with her. She showed me where things were located and asked me to try to reach items from storage areas. She had me use the copier and pick out a chair. It was from that moment on that I was sure that the Foundation would accommodate my needs and make sure that I could succeed!
~ submitted by Linda Dezenski
Visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for tips on inclusive onboarding practices
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