Every October, the United States recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This observance stresses the important contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities, as well as the importance of providing opportunity and support in the workplace.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana takes great pride in being one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in Indiana. Each year, we celebrate NDEAM by highlighting the over 1,700 employees with disabilities who help change lives every day through education, employment and health. 

This includes organizing our annual NDEAM Celebration that brings together community partners specializing in disability services, internal resources and Goodwill employees. This year’s NDEAM Celebration will be a resource fair, ensuring that Goodwill employees are informed about programs and tools that can help themselves and their coworkers. Goodwill Mission Coaches and Goodwill human resource professionals will also be onsite to answer questions about providing accommodations.

“Goodwill’s annual NDEAM Celebration is important because it honors the contributions of employees with disabilities while building a stronger community of advocacy and wraparound support in the workplace,” said Dr. Trelles Evans, senior director of coaching and reentry services at Goodwill.

Additionally, the NDEAM Celebration brings attention to employees with disabilities who embody Goodwill’s mission. For example, William Mays will be recognized for his hard work, determination and continued development. He graduated from Goodwill’s Janitorial Training Program (JTP), a 480-hour program, and transitioned into his current role as a janitor at the Minton-Capehart Federal Building through Goodwill’s AbilityOne contract.

Youssef Hafyane is another Goodwill employee with a disability who has been able to make a number of strides. He has graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis’s Skills for Independence, Transition and Employment (SITE) program and learned how to get around the city through public transportation. He now mentors others with disabilities, helping them find the right tools and encouragement to grow professionally and personally.

NDEAM gathers programs, resources and knowledgeable experts for a day that strives to further disability employment. If you represent an organization that supports people with disabilities and would like to join this year’s NDEAM celebration, please reach out to Anthony Collins. (anthony.collins@goodwillindy.org).