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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known as NDEAM. This is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. NDEAM began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with disabilities. Eighty years later, we are carrying the torch for independence and opportunity for all Texans. The official national theme for NDEAM 2025 is Celebrating Value and Talent.
Bobcat RISE Applications are Open
A great career often starts with an excellent education. Applications for the Bobcat RISE Program at Texas State University are now open! Established in the College of Education, Bobcat RISE serves students with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in post-secondary education who are ready for independent but supported living on a college campus.
The deadline to apply for Bobcat RISE is Dec. 5. You can learn more about the program on the Bobcat RISE website and apply online. Bobcat RISE is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. Our Council believes students with disabilities deserve the preparation and support necessary to successfully transition into higher education and, ultimately, meaningful employment.
Disability Advocates in the Workforce
Matthew Leos, who served as a TCDD Youth Ambassador, recently participated in his first summer internship at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. Matthew joined three other interns with disabilities. His work included helping feed animals, welcoming zoo visitors, and interfacing with the public. Matthew’s bilingual skills were a great asset to the internship; he gave visitors information about the zoo in English and Spanish.
Jason Jones, Texas Partners in Policymaking class of 2023, has always been a dedicated disability advocate and professional. He served as the advocate outreach specialist at the Houston Center for Independent Living, where his Partners capstone project started a new outreach group: the Leap Into Sight Newly Blind Support Group. Jason recently accepted a vocational rehabilitation counselor position with the Texas Workforce Commission.
31 Days of NDEAM
Want to get involved with NDEAM, but don’t know where to start? Check out the 31 Days of NDEAM guide for daily, actionable ways to celebrate employment for Texans with disabilities. If you are a business owner or leader, explore the following resources to expand opportunities at your workplace.
- Apprenticeship programs help employers access a wider talent pool. You can learn how to start or expand an apprenticeship program.
- Want to cast a wide net when hiring? AskEARN.org can help employers in their efforts to recruit, hire, retain, and advance people with disabilities.
- If you are exploring workplace accommodations to support a disabled employee, start with the Job Accommodation Network’s free Situations and Solutions Finder for access to more than 700 successful accommodation scenarios shared by their users.
Texans with disabilities are vital members of our community and workforce. We will continue to share employment resources this month and throughout the year to celebrate their contributions to our great state.
