CELEBRATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS THIS SUMMER AND IN THE FALL

WHAT IS DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH, WHEN IS IT, AND WHAT IS IT?

Happy Disability Pride Month! Disability Pride Month is celebrated each year in July. Disability Pride initially began as a day of celebration in 1990 the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. In 1980 Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. The first official celebration of Disability Pride Month occurred in July 2015, which also marked the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Since then, cities across the country have celebrated disability pride month with parades and other festivities.

Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.”

OCTOBER 2023 DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH (NDEAM)

SEPTEMBER 2023 – DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (DSP) WEEK

The Federal Government Department of Labor (DOL) office on Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has chosen “Advancing Access and Equity” as its theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2023. Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike.

In case you missed it in November, be on the lookout for our TLC Outcomes news, where we will update you on celebrations during the summer and fall and give you the latest news from TLC Outcomes.

Per the American Bar Association Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.”

The week-long celebration this year is anticipated to be September 9-15, 2023. DSP’s are critical to nonprofit organizations such as TLC. TLC Outcomes hires many DSP’s and the value they bring to individuals that TLC supports cannot be overstated. TLC Outcomes DSPs assist persons served with learning Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL’s) such as cooking, home maintenance, budgeting, laundry, shopping, attending appointments, and community activities. DSPs at TLC Outcomes help the individuals they support by teaching job-readiness skills, job-seeking skills, job-keeping skills, including workplace behaviors, in addition to job development and job coaching on the job. TLC Outcomes DSPs open doors to employment and help individuals they serve have a sense of community. TLC Outcomes DSPs are true relationship navigators. They are the link between persons served, their friends, families, employers and other significant individuals in their lives.

Success Stories: Jen and Conor Share Their Employment Experiences with TLC Outcomes Service

Since its establishment in 1986, the TLC Outcomes Service, located in Rockville, Maryland, has been dedicated to advocating for adults with disabilities. With a primary objective of facilitating meaningful employment opportunities, the organization aims to promote independence and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities. In this interview, we meet Jen and Conor, two remarkable individuals who have benefited from the TLC Outcomes Service, as they share their employment experiences and shed light on the invaluable support they have received.

Jen's Journey at Giant:

Jen, a courteous and enthusiastic individual, has been working at the Giant supermarket on Hungerford Drive in Rockville for nearly 12 years. As a courtesy clerk, she takes pride in assisting customers and her coworkers with tasks such as bagging groceries. Jen's job provides her with a sense of fulfillment, particularly through the interpersonal interactions she has with customers and colleagues.

The Role of TLC Outcomes Service:

One of the key factors contributing to Jen's success at her workplace is the support she receives from her outcomes case manager at TLC.

Kelly, her case manager, plays a crucial role in ensuring Jen's work experience is positive and fulfilling. Kelly regularly communicates with Jen's supervisors at Giant, providing them with updates and addressing any concerns. This open line of communication ensures that Jen's needs are met, and she can thrive in her role.

Conor's Contribution at the National Institutes of Health:

Conor, another remarkable individual, has been working at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda for almost 12 years as an Office Services Clerk. His responsibilities include delivering mail both on and offcampus, as well as handling office tasks like refilling coffee machines and managing document disposal. Conor's dedication and hard work have earned him the respect and camaraderie of his colleagues, making his workplace feel like a second family.

The Support System of TLC Outcomes Service:

Conor, like Jen, receives invaluable support from his outcomes case manager at TLC. Through occasional visits to his office, Conor's case manager ensures his work environment