The following post was authored by partner American Dream Employment Network (ADEN).
In today’s labor market, employers from all industry sectors are competing to recruit talent, which creates a favorable time for job seekers, including job seekers with a disability. However, myths about recruiting individuals with disabilities still exist, such as “they don’t have the skills or education needed for the job”. Specific skill sets or educational attainment may be required for some jobs and employers are exploring all avenues where they can seek a pool of eligible candidates. Based on the increasing need for qualified employees, businesses should also look more closely at job seekers with disabilities. How can you find these qualified job seekers with disabilities? One resource are service providers approved by the Social Security Administrations Ticket to Work program. The American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) is a national emerging network made up of 60+ service providers across the country. ADEN assists job seekers with disabilities who seek career opportunities, and benefit from long-term ongoing support once hired. What type of skills and education do these job seekers possess? Over half of the job seekers supported by ADEN have education beyond high school, including bachelors, masters and even doctorate degrees. They also have past work histories in a wide array of industry sector that would be appeal to hiring personnel.
Individuals with a disability have gained a unique set of skills related to their life experience that can bring value to your business. During her past role with the US Department of Education, Jennifer Sheehy, stated “People who have disabilities, either through birth or because they have acquired one, must develop other strengths, traits, and qualities—perseverance, problem solving, goal setting, determination—that make them valuable and marketable in the workplace.” Businesses know acquiring these qualities in a new employee is a bonus for these characteristics build strength within a business.
To read more about professionals in the workforce who are using their Ticket to Work, check out https://choosework.ssa.gov/success-stories/index.html
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About the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN)
The American Dream Employment Network (ADEN), an administrative EN, is a consortium of service providers and employers working together to create a path for individuals with disabilities, who are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits, and want to return to, or begin working for the first time. ADEN is an approved Employment Network operating under Social Security’s Ticket to Work program.
