Empowerment
Disability : Part of the Equity Equation
The Arc of San Diego is proud to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( NDEAM ). Observed annually in October , NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America ’ s workers with disabilities and highlights inclusive
employment policies and practices . According to the U . S . Department of Labor , the theme for 2022 is ‘ Disability : Part of the Equity Equation ’ in recognition of the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation ’ s workforce diverse and inclusive .
The Arc of San Diego provides employment training and support to more than 400 individuals with disabilities annually . These efforts are strengthened by partnerships with local businesses and organizations who are committed to employing individuals with disabilities . One of these organizations is the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center ( JCC ), who The Arc of San Diego has collaborated with to staff their newly reopened coffee shop , The Bean .
Jennie works as a barista at The Bean and receives support from The Arc of San Diego . “ I enjoy making
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Jennie and Max at The Bean the drinks and saying ‘ Hi ’ to the customers ,” Jennie shared with GB Magazine . “ I also love my coworker Max , my manager and my job coach !”
“ It has been great to watch Jennie excel at her barista skills and come out of her shell ,” shared Wendy Smith , Inclusion Director at the JCC . “ She is great with customer service and has worked hard to get to know everyone and make it a great experience for everyone who comes in .”
Jennie
With her income from The Bean , Jennie is saving up to buy her own bicycle . “ I also love flying and want to take a trip to Hawaii in the future ,” added Jennie .
The JCC plans to expand programs similar to The Bean throughout the rest of the center . Smith says the next opportunity will be at the JCC ’ s fitness center where they will be hiring fitness attendants to work with the guest services team . Eventually they hope to expand to employment opportunities at the JCC ’ s preschool and administrative offices .
“ Everybody deserves to have something meaningful that they are working for ,” said Smith . “ It is up to us to break down those barriers and make sure that can happen .” www . arc-sd . com