Disability Employment Adds Value

This year’s theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” There’s clear evidence of both qualities in the current American workforce.

A recent study found that companies leading in disability employment had, on average, 60% higher revenue, over two times higher net income, and two times higher economic profits than their counterparts.

State programs like Indiana’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services ensure that people with disabilities are able to keep bringing their talents and adding value to local businesses.

Meeting Employees Where They Are

As we celebrate NDEAM this month, it’s important to remember that not everyone’s needs are apparent right from the beginning of their employment. Disability employment isn’t just about hiring; it’s also about continually adapting and accommodating. Take INDATA consumer John Stefanek, for example.

John’s career in the mortgage industry flourished for over 20 years. It wasn’t until 2023 that vision issues challenged his ability to continue working in his role as a Mortgage Loan Officer at NEXA Mortgage.

Although John had been diagnosed with the gene for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) — a rare condition that causes painless, progressive central vision loss — he had perfect vision for much of his life and didn’t exhibit signs of the condition until later in his career, in his late 40s.

While his peripheral vision remained intact, his central vision deteriorated, which was a major obstacle considering his work mainly involves reviewing loan applications and emails.

An assistive technology evaluation through VR services empowered John to continue working. Easterseals Crossroads AT Specialist Jim Rinehart with three main AT tools: a desktop CCTV system, a ZoomText keyboard with high-contrast large keys, and the Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses.

The Patriot ViewPoint glasses proved to be a particularly big gamechanger for John, allowing him to perform tasks that previously felt impossible. This wearable virtual reality headset allows up to 20 times magnification, features 11 high-contrast color modes and reads text aloud through optical character recognition technology.

“When I am using the Patriot ViewPoint glasses, I feel like I’m not blind,” he said.

Thanks to VR services and Jim’s AT guidance, John learned not just how to use technology but how to rearrange his workspace and adjust his sitting posture to maximize his remaining vision.

Help Before Employment

In addition to helping people like John at later points in their professional history, VR provides opportunities for younger people with disabilities who are in the pre-employment transition period.

Any student from 14-22 years of age who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan can receive Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), whether or not they have applied or been deemed eligible for VR services. These services supplement what their school provides and increases access to career planning, work experience and training to support a seamless segue from high school to employment or postsecondary education and training.

Across the state, VR authorizes different providers to offer the following required services:

• Job exploration counseling
• Work-based learning experiences
• Counseling on postsecondary opportunities
• Workplace readiness training
• Instruction in self-advocacy

Students don’t have to apply to VR to receive these services. VR works with schools and community service providers to offer Pre-ETS in every county across Indiana.

The second major way VR provides services to students requires a referral to VR — from a teacher, guidance counselor, family member, etc.

If VR determines the student is eligible to receive services, they will then work with a VR counselor to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE will list a variety of professional services approved by VR as well as  steps the student can take to achieve their employment goals.

Local Jobs Across the Age Spectrum

One business fit for employees of various ages is Walgreens. Indiana VR recently connected with Walgreens after the company’s announcement of an initiative to maintain a 12% hiring rate of individuals with disabilities.

“Walgreens has thousands of retail stores (that implement) their Ready Training Initiative, which is the retail training program for employees with disabilities,” said Kristina Blankenship, director of business and community engagement for Indiana VR. “We also have a return warehouse in Valparaiso, Indiana, and a micro-pharmacy fulfillment center in Plainfield. And after connecting with Walgreens and meeting with the local employment specialists, we have been able to connect VR participants with long-term community employment.”

These are just a few of the many local organizations recognizing the talent and value that employees with disabilities bring to the workforce.

NDEAM poster courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Infographic courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor.
John Stefanek photos courtesy of INDATA.

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