Celebrating Karlie and the value of a diverse workforce this National Disability Employment Awareness Month
There is a lot about a person you can’t see at first glance.
You can’t immediately see the pride they take in doing something well, how they treat the people around them or what they might be capable of when given the chance to learn and grow.
That’s part of what makes getting to know Karlie so special.
Karlie has been developing work skills as a participant in KANDU’s prevocational employment program for a year and a half. During that time, she has grown into a skilled, independent worker who takes pride in what she does. Her supervisor describes her as a fast learner with a strong work ethic, a big kind heart, and a valued member of the team whose work helps KANDU deliver quality results for our customers.
As Karlie has developed her skills, she has taken on greater responsibility and become more independent in her work. She’s proud of the things she has gotten really good at, and she enjoys the independence that comes with earning her own money. That includes having a little extra to spend on one of her favorite things, shopping.
It’s a simple part of Karlie’s story, but an important one.
Work can shape how we see ourselves. It gives us the chance to discover what we’re good at, build relationships, become more independent and know that what we do matters.
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Karlie’s story is also a reminder of what workplaces gain when people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to be part of them.
A diverse workforce brings together people with different abilities, experiences and perspectives. Each person brings something of their own to the workplace, not only through the work they do, but through the kind of coworker and person they are.
When disability is the first thing we see, it’s easy to miss everything else.
Karlie has a simple way of putting it.
“Your disability doesn’t define you.”
It doesn’t tell us how hard someone will work. It doesn’t tell us what kind of coworker or friend they will be. It doesn’t tell us what they can learn, what they can become good at or what they might accomplish when given the chance to grow.
That’s why NDEAM is about more than awareness. It’s a celebration of contribution.
It’s about people bringing their strengths to work and being valued for them. It’s about workplaces made richer by different abilities, experiences and perspectives. And it’s about people having the chance to discover just how much they can do.
Karlie is still discovering that for herself, and we’re fortunate to have a front-row seat.
