Each year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a chance to recognize the talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace. It’s also a time to learn how inclusive employment benefits everyone — employees, employers, and entire communities. At SOAR365, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on hardworking, creative, motivated workers who are making a difference every day.

What Is NDEAM?

NDEAM began in 1945 as a week of appreciation for workers with physical disabilities. Over time, more types of disabilities were recognized, and Americans saw the importance of increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities. In 1988, the celebration was expanded to a full month.

This year marks NDEAM’s 80th anniversary, with the theme “Celebrating Value & Talent.”

“NDEAM is a great time to celebrate the talents of people with disabilities and recognize the incredible impact they can have in the workforce when given the opportunity,” says SOAR365’s Trent McFadden, Assistant VP, AbilityOne Business Line. 

Why NDEAM Matters

Did you know?

• The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is twice as high as for people without disabilities (8.1% vs. 3.9% in 2024, ages 16–64).
• People with disabilities are only half as likely to be employed as those without disabilities (37.4% vs. 74.9%).

Many workers with disabilities also face wage gaps and challenges affording housing. That’s why jobs with competitive pay and benefits — like those provided through SOAR365 — are so critical.

Meet Jacob

At the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), also known as Bellwood, you’ll find Jacob hard at work as a Crew Leader on SOAR365’s Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance team.

Jacob, who has autism, once faced challenges that made some tasks more difficult. But with the right tools, Jacob has thrived.

“We have several supports in place for employees on the autism spectrum,” says Trey Steeley, Project Manager. “Whether it’s visual aids or giving extra time to complete tasks, we want to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed.”

Thanks to these accommodations, Jacob was able to advance from crew member to crew leader. Today, his job allows him to drive, pay bills, go shopping, and spend time with friends. Most importantly, it’s given him the confidence to believe in himself.

How SOAR365 Helps People With Disabilities Find Jobs

SOAR365 uses three approaches to create meaningful employment:

• Employing individuals with disabilities, like Jacob, in the businesses we operate.
• Helping adults find and thrive in jobs with other employers through our Supported Employment program.
• Preparing students through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) so they’re ready for life and work after high school.

Pia’s Path to Independence

For Pia, working with SOAR365’s Supported Employment team has been life-changing. With help from her job coach Lizzie, she’s been exploring career options.

“Lizzie is very kind, and she is helpful. She cares what kind of job I really want,” Pia shares.

When Lizzie discovered Pia’s interest in graphic design — and her impressive portfolio of Canva projects — she introduced her to SOAR365’s Marketing & Communications team. Pia quickly jumped into a design project alongside staff.

“Independence means the most to me because I can have more independence having a job,” Pia says. “Getting my own money and getting out more is important to me.”

David’s Growing Confidence

David also worked with SOAR365 job coaches to find his path. With Aaron’s support, he began working in dining services at Avery Point Retirement Community.

“Pushing the bus cart to the dish pit is a job that I can say I’m proud to be doing,” David says.

Today, David drives himself to work and has become increasingly independent. Soon, he won’t need job coaching at all.

“David is just a model employee all around,” says Aaron. “He’s friendly, polite, and has a great sense of humor. He’s tremendously observant and always open to learning.”

Supporting National Defense — and Independence

We’ve seen firsthand that disability employment is not only good for the employee, but also for our clients – like the federal government. At the DSCR Visitor Center, SOAR365 employees keep military operations running smoothly by processing IDs and ensuring security.

Supervisor Leroy Stanford sees firsthand how these jobs change lives: “Some of our employees have moved into their own apartments, bought cars, and no longer just window shop. They can actually buy things with the money they’ve earned. It’s about independence, dignity, and being part of society.”

SOAR365 is able to find jobs for people like Leroy and Jacob thanks to our federal contracts. We’re a proud partner of the AbilityOne Program, which employs over 39,000 people with disabilities nationwide.

A 2024 study found that for every dollar spent on AbilityOne, the economy benefits by an average of $2.66 — and up to $4.40!

Disability Employment Is Good for Business

Accenture reports that in 2021, leaders in disability employment earned 1.6X more revenue, had 2.6x the net income and 2.0X the economic profit of their competitors. They were also more likely to outperform their peers in productivity, by 25%.

And the best part is, most accommodations aren’t complex or expensive. The Job Accommodation Network reports that most workplace accommodations cost nothing at all. Many of those that do have a one-time cost of about $300.

Celebrate NDEAM With SOAR365

SOAR365 is proud to celebrate NDEAM and the value and talent our employees bring every day. By supporting people like Jacob, Pia, David, Leroy and many others, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive workforce — and community.

This October, we invite you to join us. Sign up to volunteer or donate to SOAR365 to help today! You can also learn more about disability employment and the other programs we offer by exploring our website; following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube; or signing up for our newsletters.