This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, SOAR365 is helping people with disabilities prepare for work, find jobs and build lasting careers.

Every October, SOAR365 celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We know firsthand that people with disabilities are talented, dedicated and valued employees. Yet, they often face challenges when it comes to finding and keeping the right job.

Why Is NDEAM Important?

For people with disabilities ages 16-64, the unemployment rate is 7.8% – that’s double the rate of their non-disabled peers (3.9%). And just 43.8% of these teens and adults with disabilities are in the workforce, compared to 78.1% of their non-disabled peers, according to the US Department of Labor (2025).

People with disabilities may encounter a lack of opportunities, support or understanding. Workplace accessibility and reliable transportation may also be obstacles.

NDEAM is an important chance to highlight the contributions that people with disabilities make to our workplaces, communities and the economy. This year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s theme for NDEAM is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”

At SOAR365, we see that talent every day. And we work to help more people experience the benefits of meaningful employment in three key ways.

Pre-ETS: Helping Young People Prepare for Work

The path to employment can start long before a person gets their first job.

Through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), SOAR365 helps students with disabilities ages 14–21 explore careers, build workplace skills and prepare for life after high school.

Students get hands-on experience in real workplaces. At ARC of Hanover Thrift, Pre-ETS students hang clothes, stock shelves, organize donations, sort DVDs and greet customers. These tasks help students build both job and social skills.

The experience also gives students a chance to earn money and learn what it is like to be part of a workplace.

“This work-based learning experience allowed our Pre-ETS students to use skills they have learned, gain new experiences, build relationships, and earn a few dollars while doing it,” says Maranda, a SOAR365 Pre-ETS Skills Trainer.

Students also explore other types of work. For example, a pizza-making class with Performance Food Services gave Pre-ETS participants a chance to learn about the work that goes on in a commercial kitchen.

In 2025, SOAR365 provided Pre-ETS to 68 students. We expect to serve about 135 this year, and hope to reach 250 students by 2028. These services are critically needed in our community. By expanding our program, more young people will be able to build the skills and confidence they need to reach their career goals.

Supported Employment: Helping Adults Find & Keep Jobs

For adults with disabilities, finding the right job is an important first step. The right support can help them succeed once they get there.

Through Supported Employment, each participant works with a job coach. Job coaches get to know each person’s interests, talents and strengths. They also build relationships with local businesses to find job opportunities that are a good fit.

Job coaches can help with applications, interview practice and learning new job tasks. Once someone is hired, the support continues. Job coaches work with both the employee and employer to help make the job a success.

Tymon is one example.

When he started working as a dishwasher at the Westwood Club, Tymon was shy and unsure of himself. Today, he is proud of his work and enjoys spending time with his coworkers.

“He’s extremely confident. He comes in, he knows exactly what to do,” says Tyree, Tymon’s SOAR365 job coach. “He’s done a great job.”

Tymon’s growth goes beyond the workplace. He now rides the bus to work on his own. He also talks directly with his supervisor when he needs time off or support.

“We are so glad that we have employed Tymon through our involvement with SOAR365,” says Jade Meredith, Westwood Club Administrator.

For Tymon, the right job and the right support have helped him build confidence, independence and new connections.

Employing People With Disabilities at SOAR365

In 2025, SOAR365 employed 223 people with a disability, many of whom work in our businesses. SOAR365 provides administrative, assembly and logistics, janitorial and custodial, and landscaping and grounds maintenance services for both government and commercial clients.

These jobs offer competitive wages and benefits, personalized accommodations and supports, and increased confidence and purpose. We help each employee find the position that is right for them. We remove barriers to success and offer ongoing opportunities for career advancement.

“A lot of the jobs that I’ve done haven’t really given me a chance because of my disability,” says Halsey, Grounds Laborer. “[At SOAR365] they look at who we are.” Nick, Part-Time Crew Leader, agrees: “SOAR365 was the only one who gave me a shot.”

Creating opportunities for people with disabilities benefits more than the employees themselves. It also helps build strong teams and successful businesses.

In 2025, SOAR365 completed more than $12.5 million in business. Seventy-three percent of our employees with disabilities have been with us for at least one year, and 25% have been with us for 10 years or more.

These numbers show that when people have the opportunity to use their talents, they can build lasting careers and make valuable contributions.

How You Can Help

Learn more. Resources like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) help show how easy and inexpensive it is to create accommodations in the workplace.

Partner with us. If you know or own a business that is open to hiring people with disabilities, contact us.

Volunteer or donate to support SOAR365’s work. Your gift funds our programs as well as supports and accommodations that allow our employees with disabilities to grow and thrive.