October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and this year, members of the YAI Network took full advantage of the opportunities that went along with it.

Originating with a 1945 act of Congress, NDEAM promotes employment opportunities for people with disabilities and highlights the fact that many Americans with disabilities are capable of making meaningful contributions to the workforce.  This is especially important given the current challenging economic environment in which a disproportionate number of people with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed.

“National Disability Employment Awareness Month promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and helps to connect the business community to our mission,” said Michael Kramer, YAI’s Senior Director of Employment Initiatives. “It also gives our consumers the chance to showcase their individual talents.”

In recognition of NDEAM, YAI partnered with members of the Network’s Business Advisory Council, government and various private and non-profit organizations through initiatives such as a Manhattan job fair, National Disability Mentoring Day and Gap/Banana Republic Shadowing Day.

Job Fair Makes Connections

Held at the YAI Network’s Central Office, the Job Fair welcomed employers from Gap Inc., Chartis Insurance, Navigant Consulting, the Marriott Marquis, Pfizer, Swiss Post Solutions, AOL Inc. and many more!

Over 70 YAI Network consumers from employment programs in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens presented their resumes, discussed their interests and learned about potential job opportunities.

“YAI always yields strong applicants,” said Glen Schulberg, HR Manager at Swiss Post Solutions. “Participating in YAI’s Job Fair is an ideal situation. We’re helping our company by helping others.”

“The Job Fair taught me about good interview skills like making eye contact, shaking hands and arriving early,” said Dionne, a consumer at YAI’s Brooklyn Employment Program who also shadowed housekeeping staff at The Ritz-Carlton on National Disability Mentoring Day. “Working in housekeeping is my dream job,” Dionne added. “YAI is helping make my dreams come true.”

Dionne isn’t alone in achieving her goals. In the short time since the job fair took place, YAI consumer Manny has already been hired to work at the high-profile Banana Republic Flagship store in Rockefeller Center!

National Disability Mentoring Day

Ten participants in YAI employment programs took part in National Disability Mentoring Day, a nationwide effort that promotes hands-on career exploration and development for people with disabilities.  In New York City, it is a partnership with Mayor Bloomberg’s Office for People with Disabilities, as well as the U.S. Department of Labor, the Social Security Administration and many private businesses.

YAI consumers spent the day being mentored at companies throughout New York City, including Swiss Post Solutions, The Ritz-Carlton, Goodwill in Brooklyn, NY1 and Emmis Communications. Participants gained experience in a variety of areas including housekeeping, retail stocking and merchandising, journalism, kitchen duty, entertainment and mailroom and administrative tasks.

“I was a little nervous at first, but I conquered it and had so much fun,” said Terrance, who spent the day at Goodwill sorting merchandise, stocking shelves, using the cash register and assisting customers. “The staff was so nice to me and I learned a lot from them.”

Gap/Banana Republic Shadowing Day

Gap/Banana Republic Shadowing Day provided exciting opportunities for 15 YAI consumers.

Gap, Inc. hosted a job mentoring day during which trainees had the opportunity to tour Gap and Banana Republic stores, participate in educational sessions, have hands-on training in retail business, and learn new socialization skills.

“Community involvement is a part of our corporate culture at Gap, Inc.,” said Tina Petallides-Markou, HR Manager at the Rockefeller Center Banana Republic. “The participants feel like they are part of a team, learn new skills and truly find out what goes into making our company a success. It's a great day for all of us."

"I love to fold the clothes and learn about how the store is run,” said Danielle, a YAI participant. “I've never had this type of opportunity and really enjoyed the entire experience."