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In October of 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released a study conducted during 2023 showing that 24.2% of people with a disability were engaged in the workforce (working or looking for work) compared to 68.1% of people without a disability — a gap that is still considerable despite recent gains. In today's working world, individuals with disabilities face unique challenges and barriers that can hinder their ability to find meaningful employment. Recognizing and supporting the potential of these individuals in the workforce is crucial for fostering an inclusive society that values contributions from all its members.
At JFCS, we believe this support should come as early as possible via real-world experience and skill development. Through a partnership with SINAI Schools, JFCS operates as a worksite for their Vocational Preparedness Program for students with learning and developmental disabilities. Once a week, students come to the JFCS offices with their job coaches to work in different departments, supervised by JFCS employees. Each student is assigned to the department that best fits their interests and skill level. Whether they are placed in our Corner Market Food Pantry, Kosher Meals on Wheels, or the Marketing Department, these students gain valuable insights into workplace dynamics and develop essential job skills in a supportive environment.
This is a letter that one former student intern wrote to us, expressing his gratitude for the learning experiences we provided him:
"Thank you for allowing me to intern at JFCS. Working here gave me the ability to showcase my skills and see what employee behavior looks like. Because of this internship, I now know what to expect from a job I could have in the future. I appreciate the welcoming environment that you gave me and how you encouraged me to use my skills so I would do my job well! I also appreciate the useful techniques and “ways of easiness'' when it comes to writing on the internet. If not for using Canva, I doubt I would have been able to write some things accurately or be able to make any flyers! The flier that I liked the most was the one where I discussed ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because I can really relate to it. I also want to say thank you for helping me when I needed it. You were an awesome boss and I hope I can have more bosses like you in the future!"
When offering training and development opportunities to our interns with disabilities, we put extra care into making them feel that they belong so they can develop the skills (both physically and socially) that are needed to find success in the working world. JFCS is always looking for new ways to support this population in this challenging area of employment. We know that by promoting a nurturing environment, and addressing obstacles to success in the moment, we empower so many to thrive and become confident in their ability to contribute to our community.
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