October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme is "Advancing Access and Equity" and its a great time to encourage students to celebrate their unique abilities and the many skills and talents they can bring to the workforce. Here are some ideas to help adult learners embrace their differences and be more prepared to be confident in entering the workforce.
- For learners with "hidden disabilities", consider exploring the Hidden Disability Sunflower bracelet to use in the adult education classroom. "Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone, with a “non-visible” condition genuinely needs support. Some people question whether they have a disability because they don’t look 'like you have a disability'. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is used to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. It is a simple tool for individuals to share that they have a hidden disability voluntarily. Simply by wearing the Sunflower, they are just letting everyone know that they might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.
- Have all students practice reading and research skills by learning about “Neurodiversity”. The Cleveland Clinic explains, "This is a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. While everyone’s brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person. This may be differences in social preferences, ways of learning, ways of communicating and/or ways of perceiving the environment. Because of this, a neurodivergent person has different struggles and unique strengths. People who are neurodivergent can benefit from education and programs that help them develop their strengths using them to their benefit to live happy, healthy lives." ThisisGraeme provides some additional resources for Neurodiversity in Adult Education.
- Contact your local state disability rights office to request a free presentation for adult learners. In Pennsylvania, our office is presenting their workshop called Real Work in the Real World: Paving Your Path to Success with Self-Advocacy, Resources and Rights virtually to adult education practitioners and their workforce partners at the end of October. The presentation will cover: employment rights and the laws prohibiting discrimination, self-advocacy tools, and the role of Disability Rights Pennsylvania as the protection and advocacy agency. You can also access resources from the Federal Disability Rights Office.
What activities are occurring in your local area or state? Do you have any additional resources or ideas for celebrating differences in the adult education classroom? Share your thoughts below!