#NDEAM75: Increasing Access and Opportunity

This year, we celebrate several disability milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the 100th anniversary of Vocational Rehabilitation and the 75th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

Every October, disability organizations pause to recognize how far we've come in advancing disability employment. Can you imagine life for people with disabilities 75 years ago? Many lived in institutions and many more were told they could never work. We've changed that message, but there is still more to do.

This year's NDEAM theme is Increasing Access and Opportunity. Generally speaking, many employers hiring people with disabilities, find that employees:

• Have great work ethic
• Have low turnover rates
• Bring about increased revenue; by including people with disabilities in the workforce, many business and organizations see an increase in customers with disabilities and their family members.

And there is an abundance of qualified people with disabilities looking for employment. Now is the time to connect these job seekers, like you, to employers who are ready to hire.

That's where a Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program service provider can help. Every day, our service providers connect people ages 18 through 64 who receive disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, including:

• Resume development
• Job placement assistance
• Practice interviews
• And so much more!

Interested in learning more about the Ticket Program? Attend this month's Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar! Already have a service provider? Discuss with a Benefits Counselor how working may affect your benefits and a plan to make your transition to the workplace as smooth as possible. Finalize your resume and apply for a certain number of jobs. Or connect with someone in your network who might be able to help.

How are you celebrating NDEAM? Let us know in the comments or use #NDEAM75 on social media to share!

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment. Contact the Help Line or visit choosework.ssa.gov today!

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