Building More Opportunities
During NDEAM and Beyond
Everyone who wants to work deserves opportunities to contribute, earn an income, and pursue their own goals. October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of people with disabilities. Its 2026 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reflects Goodwill CMH’s mission, “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work,” and our commitment to accessible employment today and in the future.
Our employment support starts with each person’s experience, education, strengths, and ambitions, whether they are entering, returning to, or changing careers. We help with resumes, applications, interviews, and employer connections, then stay in touch after placement. Family Development also connects families with housing, health care, education, and disability resources, recognizing that work is part of a person’s wider life.
Our partnership with Navigations Incorporated provides employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. Its federal contracts through SourceAmerica and AbilityOne support janitorial, groundskeeping, and snow removal work at Battle Creek’s Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center. These local contributions deserve recognition, alongside respect for each employee’s career ambitions.
Employers can act now by focusing job descriptions on skills and essential duties, making applications and interviews accessible, and simplifying accommodation requests. Managers should respond promptly, develop solutions with employees, and revisit adjustments as needs or jobs change. Written instructions, captions, assistive technology, or adjusted schedules may help; the Job Accommodation Network offers free guidance.
Accessibility also belongs in decisions about hiring systems, training platforms, and AI. The AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework, developed with support from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, helps employers consider hiring technology’s benefits and risks. Test tools with people with disabilities, ensure access with assistive technology, and provide clear accommodation options and human assistance.
Progress should continue after hiring through accessible training and mentorship, useful feedback, and clear paths to advancement that reflect individual goals. Include people with disabilities in shaping these opportunities and judge success through their workplace experience. Identify one barrier, assign responsibility for addressing it, and ask employees whether the change helped.
Shoppers and donors help sustain Goodwill CMH’s workforce services for people with disabilities and others facing employment barriers. Employers and community partners can review hiring practices, connect with our team, and expand access to career development. This NDEAM, celebrate the talent strengthening our workplaces and help create opportunities for each person’s next step. Carry that commitment throughout the year.
Explore our job development services or contact our team to learn how you can take part.
Stronger together. More opportunities!