This month, I decided to share a personal message and shine a light on a pool of talent we may be overlooking in our workforce: young adults with disabilities.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. As the mom of a young adult with Down syndrome, this is personal. It’s also a big part of why I am so passionate about Junior Achievement.
Some of you have heard my story, but it bears repeating.
When my son Patrick was born, I asked myself, “What can I do to help him become the most productive, independent, responsible adult he can be?”
I knew that meant giving him opportunities to learn, grow, explore and discover his abilities. It meant giving him the experiences, resources and supports he would need to thrive and succeed.
Two years later, my daughter Samantha was born. I realized I wanted exactly the same things for her. The preparation and support might look different, but the goal was the same – a life with purpose, choices and economic independence. For both my children it was about building the skills, confidence and connections to move forward in life.
From my children to thousands of young people
Today, through JA, I get to help create those opportunities for tens of thousands of young people.
Each comes to us with different strengths, experiences, backgrounds and circumstances. Some are navigating foster care or have been involved with the juvenile justice system. Some have disabilities, and some just need additional support or a different approach to learning.
Everyone deserves the chance to discover what they can do.
Talent we may be missing
When we talk about building our workforce, young adults with disabilities need to be part of that conversation.
Are we seeing what someone can contribute or making assumptions before we’ve had the chance to find out?
A disability doesn’t tell us someone’s interests, work ethic or potential. We discover those by getting to know the person and giving them opportunities to demonstrate their skills.
That means matching people with meaningful work, understanding their support needs and providing clear expectations and training.
We cannot prepare young people for work and then leave them without a chance to work.
At JA, we walk the walk
Through our partnership with Broward College, JA hires interns with disabilities, giving young adults opportunities to gain experience and contribute to our organization.
As an employer, and as an organization that’s core focus is workforce development, we have a responsibility to put our beliefs into practice through meaningful assignments, guidance and opportunities to grow.
Be the employer who sees the potential
Look at the work your business needs done. Could an internship or job be a good fit for a young adult with a disability?
Offer an internship. Host a workplace visit. Give someone the chance to show you what they can do. Connect with JA to explore how you can get involved.
As Patrick’s mom, I know how much it matters when someone sees your child’s abilities. As JA’s CEO, I want more young people and employers to experience what can happen when that potential gets a chance.
Our future workforce should include young people with disabilities. Let’s make sure our opportunities do, too.
Laurie Sallarulo
President & CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida
