Council Member Monday – National Disability Employment Awareness Month Edition

 

 

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” In recognition of NDEAM, the Council is highlighting Council members with developmental disabilities who are employed in the community.

 

October 17, 2022

Liz is a white woman with short brown hair. She is wearing glasses, a white turtleneck, and a black v-neck cardigan. She is posed in front of a black backdrop.

Name: Liz Weintraub

 

How many years have you been on the Council? 3 years

 

  1. In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

I am a person with a disability who likes to advocate for herself and others. I am married and I like to do puzzles and hang out with friends.

 

  1. Where do you work and how long have you worked there?

 

I work for the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), which is a network of universities all over the country, which represent 3 different centers. In Maryland we have all 3, the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC), and the LEND program to help families and people with developmental disabilities to get into the field and to do research to better understand how to work with people with developmental disabilities. I am on AUCD’s policy team to help them advocate for people with developmental disabilities. And for laws to make sure that people understand things. I have worked there since 2011 and on the policy team since 2014.

 

  1. What advice would you give to people with disabilities who are looking for a job in their community?

 

First, you need to figure out what kind of job you want. I would also say that it takes time to look for a job and get the support that you want and need. You are just like anyone else, and that means that if you need support your organization should provide that to you. You should get paid similarly to what others in your position are paid.

 

  1. What advice would you give to employers who want to hire people with disabilities?

 

You should treat people with disabilities just the way that you treat others. Everyone needs support, and everyone’s needs are different, but I think that is the same kind of responsibility and expectation that other people get. Treat people as part of the team.

 

I would also say that means for work and for fun. If everyone is going out to lunch, I should be asked to do that as well. Include people in meetings, and other activities.

 

  1. What are you most proud of at work?

I am really proud that I help people to realize that people are just people. That we should be treated just like everyone else. I am proud of a lot of things. I am proud of helping people understand why plain language is important and why people should be included. I am proud that I worked for Sen. Casey and testified in the Kavanaugh hearings.

 

I am really proud of my work with Think College. I want to work myself out of a job. I want the next generation to become advocates. Part of my work with Think College to help students learn how to advocate for themselves. I think that is really cool to see.

 

I am most proud of starting Tuesday’s with Liz: Disability Policy for All because I want people to understand that they can go up to Capital Hill and to understand how to advocate about different policies and legislation. The legislation can be complicated to understand and when you listen to Tuesday’s with Liz, you can better understand the legislation. I am really proud of my ability to go on Capital Hill.

 

 

October 10, 2022

 

Name: Meghan JonesMeghan is standing in a grocery store isle. She has short brown hair with bangs and is wearing an N-95 mask. She is also wearing a black t-shirt with an orange reflective vest over top of it. She has one gloved hand in her pocket and the other is by her side.

 

How many years have you been on the Council? 5 years

 

 

  1. In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

I am 33 years old. I live on my own in my very first apartment and I have my first boyfriend. I am very independent. And, I have 2 dogs that live with my parents.

 

 

  1. Where do you work and how long have you worked there?

 

I work at Giant Food and I have worked there for 14 years.

 

  1. What advice would you give to people with disabilities who are looking for a job in their community?

 

Well first, do your research. Pick out what career you want. If you want to go back to school, fall back on your education. It all depends on what type of job you want.

 

My dream job is teaching sign language. I am working at Giant so I can pay for school.

 

  1. What advice would you give to employers who want to hire people with disabilities?

 

I would say that it is important to be open-minded. Do not think that we don’t want to work because we do. We want to be treated as individuals just like everyone else. We deserve to have jobs in the community.

 

  1. What are you most proud of at work?

 

I am proud that I am becoming a woman of today. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Giant. I got that job all on my own. I did my research, I made sure that the job was right for me, and I made sure that the job was suitable. Giant is like my lifeline to independence. It is important to have an open mind. We all want to busy and we all want to work. We all want to get out of the house. I am proud that I did it and am independent and in control of my own money.

 

October 3, 2022

 

Name: Damon BriggsA Person with a Developmental Disability

 

How many years have you been on the Council? 2.5 years

 

 

  1. In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

I am a disabilities advocate and very passionate about people with disabilities. I believe in empowerment of people with disabilities. I was born with Cerebral Palsy. I am a loyal and dedicated individual.

 

  1. Where do you work and how long have you worked there?

 

I own my own business. I work out of my home as a sports consultant. People pay me to study sports games and give my opinion and analysis. I also teach people how to do their own analysis of how to predict sports games outcomes. I have been doing this work since 2002.

 

  1. What advice would you give to people with disabilities who are looking for a job in their community?

 

Try very hard to sell your strengths to your potential employer. Be very direct and confident in the way you answer questions and how you present yourself.

 

Starting your own business can be scary. But if you have the determination, belief, and courage you can do it.

 

  1. What advice would you give to employers who want to hire people with disabilities?

 

You should do it because people with disabilities are the hardest and most motivated workers.

 

Make sure that you ask what kind of supports the person with disabilities needs.

 

  1. What are you most proud of at work?

 

The fact that I can be my own boss, no one can tell me what to do, and I control the amount of money I make.