National Disability Employment Awareness Month Promotes Access To Good Jobs

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual October event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, acknowledges that individuals with disabilities add value to workplaces across the country and to the economy. This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” speaks to every American worker, but especially to those who are returning to work through Social Security’s Ticket to Work (TTW) Program.

This year’s theme also addresses the department’s pledge to increase the quality and number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. After a lengthy medical leave, many are searching for meaningful jobs, and NDEAM supports their efforts. “Workers, including those with disabilities, have a right to pursue high-quality, well-paying jobs and be successful in those jobs,” the department said. NDEAM’s pledge complements the goal of the TTW Program – to empower individuals to return to work and move them toward financial self-sufficiency through meaningful employment.

Jobs Bring TTW Participants Self-Worth And Greater Income

With the combined benefit of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and TTW, former workers with disabilities have the opportunity to pursue employment without fear of losing their disability income or Medicare benefits for a period of time. While job searches and interviews can be stressful, TTW offers valuable support and work incentives that make attempting a return to work less daunting.

One of the most impactful TTW benefits is free assistance from Social Security-authorized Employment Networks (EN) and state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (VR). These firms support TTW participants in returning to work. Experienced professionals explain the program details and help you identify your skills, interests and potential job opportunities. They offer guidance and resources so you can approach the job search and interview process with confidence. They will also guide you in requesting reasonable accommodations from your employer, if needed.

The support from ENs or VRs that helps TTW ticket holders find and obtain the right jobs is invaluable. Ticket to Work participants, employed by companies where they feel valued, report improved self-worth and a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing they have a lot to contribute. The program supports participants in moving toward financial self-sufficiency by enabling them to earn more than they can on disability benefits alone, which is the core goal of TTW. Beneficiaries say they feel a sense of accomplishment and, at the same time, are contributing to the organization.

A TTW participant explains, “It was a difficult decision to return to work. But working helps me socialize with others. Staying at home can cause me to spiral downward. I needed some parameters and a controlled setting to get me back to work. My Employment Network provided that for me. I’m a huge success story for them.”

Another SSDI beneficiary says, “The Ticket to Work Program provided the safety net I needed. It allowed me to earn more and get used to working again, at my pace.”

Every Month Of Every Year

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a reminder this October and every month that all workers, including those with disabilities, will benefit from more access to quality jobs. The TTW Program makes this possible for SSDI beneficiaries who choose to reenter the workforce. Employment Networks and VRs help workers with disabilities increase their income and gain greater self-worth as they find and thrive in good jobs. Ticket to Work supports NDEAM’s mission by making these opportunities available all year long.