Working is a gift, and we believe people with disabilities deserve the opportunity as well.
We might all groan about Mondays (and cheer for Fridays), but in reality, the opportunity to work is a gift. Statistics show that work helps people to thrive— it creates a sense of community with coworkers, a sense of ownership and mastery through tasks, and a sense of safety and confidence, thanks to a regular paycheck.
Work helps us to grow, learn, and live a life we’re proud of. And shouldn’t everyone have access to that?
At Endeavors, we believe everyone should…even (and perhaps especially) folks with disabilities. Here are a few reasons that people with disabilities make amazing employees, and why work helps them take hold of a better life.
1. Work helps people thrive.
There are so many benefits of working! Employment creates a sense of financial independence. It helps to increase self-esteem and self-confidence. Work also enhances personal growth and job skills. For people with disabilities, the opportunity to work is synonymous with the opportunity to thrive.
2. Both the workplace and worker benefit.
When people with disabilities join the workforce, everyone benefits. Companies that hire people with disabilities report a nearly 85% job-retention rate and a turnover rate of 20% (compared to a 150% turnover rate among employees without disabilities). One study even reported that businesses that actively seek to employ people with disabilities outperform businesses that do not. Their revenues were 28% higher, net income was two times more, and profit margins were higher by 30%.
3. Diversity is always a good thing.
The value that workers with disabilities can bring to the workplace goes far beyond numbers. Their unique perspectives help to create diverse company cultures and improve innovation. As our world continues to expand inclusion efforts, the presence of people with disabilities will be vital to businesses and companies everywhere.
Our Mission with Endeavors’ Job Supportive Services
We desire to give everyone with an ability a chance. Our Job Supportive Services (JSS) program helps transform lives through comprehensive and personalized vocational support for people with disabilities.
At its essence, JSS helps connect people with disabilities to the job that’s right for them. No job is a one-size-fits-all, and we want to help our clients achieve a long-lasting career path, not just a paycheck. To do this, we use an innovative, personalized approach that helps individuals with disabilities obtain and retain employment while matching their vocational interests and abilities.
This means not only partnering with potential employees, but also potential employers. Once employed, we’ll also provide a mentor for the new employee, and if needed, help advocate for accommodations.
JSS services include pre-employment training, career counseling, resume building, application training, interview prep, job search training, professional correspondence training, job placement, job coaching, job skills training, on-the-job supportive training, and way more! To employers, we provide onsite training assistance through job coaching and skills training, help with identifying and obtaining accommodations, and ongoing support. We also provide information to employers on how they can utilize the work opportunity tax credit and disabled access credit.
For more information, contact JSSinfo@endeavorsunlimited.org or call 210-523-0377. If you are already working with TWC/VRS, ask your VR counselor to be connected with Endeavors Unlimited! If you are not yet working with TWC/VRS, you can contact them at 512-936-6400 or vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us.
About Endeavors
Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.