Every October is marked for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance led by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. This year, the theme “Celebrating Value and Talent” guides our focus, targeting the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities to America’s workplaces.
This theme deeply resonates with UCP Heartland’s mission, “We provide children and adults living with differing abilities the extraordinary care and support they need to thrive in school, at home, at work, and in their community.”
Since 1945, NDEAM has recognized the contributions and talents of workers with disabilities. Each year, the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy provides resources, discussion guides, and materials to help employers build more inclusive workplaces.
For all the businesses here in St. Louis, NDEAM is a reminder to take sensible steps toward inclusion, recognizing that every ability adds strength, innovation, and value to our community and economy.
Business Value of Inclusive Hiring
More and more employers across the U.S. are realizing that inclusive hiring is the smart thing to do for business growth. A strategic business decision that offers bottom-line benefits. The value employees with differing abilities bring goes far beyond a diverse headcount, it creates a competitive advantage and essential strengths for the growth of the business:
- Higher Revenue and Profit: Companies leading in disability inclusion consistently generate better revenue streams, improved net income, and greater overall economic profit within their industries.
- Return on Investment: Investments in accessibility improvements and inclusive recruitment practices deliver strong returns through enhanced productivity, better retention, and increased employee satisfaction that ripples throughout the organization.
- Tax Incentives: Federal programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit provide businesses with valuable tax credits for hiring individuals with disabilities, helping offset costs and making inclusive hiring even more financially attractive.
Three Pillars of Inclusive Employment
NDEAM reminds us to keep pushing for inclusion. For St. Louis employers, that means taking practical steps in three important areas.
Mindset to Unlock Potential
The Celebrating Value and Talent theme is a direct challenge to the outdated perceptions about disability and productivity that continue to limit opportunities, yet these are among the easiest barriers to address through education and awareness.
Employers should move beyond preconceived notions about productivity or capability, recognizing that talent knows no boundaries. To achieve this shift, employers can access free NDEAM materials like videos and discussion guides.
Partner for Job Readiness
Make sure individuals have the right preparation and ongoing support. This is a significant step, missing it can mean losing a valuable partnership. UCP Heartland fills this gap with promising job coaching and specialized vocational services. These services ensure that individuals have the knowledge and support needed for long-term success, reinforcing the commitment to workforce development.
Design for Universal Access
Proactively addressing physical, mental, and technological barriers will promote the workplace into an inclusive workplace. Simple changes can make a big difference. Implementing flexible work models, maintaining digital accessibility for application portals and internal software, and designing physical spaces that welcome all abilities.
By designing for universal access, businesses send a clear message: “no talent is unintentionally excluded from the hiring process or daily operations.”
UCP Heartland: Your Trusted Employment Partner in St. Louis
We are creating inclusive employment opportunities right here in the St. Louis community. Our core services are:
- Supported Employment: Our expert job coaches work closely with individuals and employers for longer-term success, ongoing support, training, and workplace adaptations to assist employees improve and stay committed to their careers.
- Brain Injury Employment Services: Specialized programs support individuals recovering from brain injuries to re-enter the workforce, rebuild skills, and regain confidence.
- Summer Work Program: This program provides valuable work-based learning experiences for youth with differing abilities. Participants gain real-world employment skills and exposure to local employers, serving as a vital early talent pipeline for St. Louis businesses.
Conclusion
As we observe 2025’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this is the perfect time for businesses and communities to recognize and embrace the remarkable contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace.
UCP Heartland stands committed to partnering with employers in the St. Louis region to create accessible, supportive opportunities where every individual’s talents can be recognized and grow. Our core services include Supported Employment, Brain Injury Employment Services, and our Summer Work Program, which provides valuable work-based learning experiences for youth with differing abilities, serving as a vital early talent pipeline for local businesses.
Together, let’s break the barriers and build the future where abilities are truly celebrated every day of the year. Join us this October in honoring the value and talent embedded in our diverse workforce, and take the steps today to make your organization a champion of inclusive hiring.