September is Disability Awareness Month

In addition to investing, I am a Customized Employment Specialist who works with people with disabilities. There are three ways I help them find non-competitive, non-advertised employment.

First, I carve a job by using a job description as a template and carving off those aspects that the candidate can do and managing other aspects that do no fit the individual.

Second, I customize a job that presently does not exist. Many businesses have jobs that they wish someone would do but are not getting done. Generally, businesses do not advertise for a position that may take 8 to 10 hrs/week. Those annoying jobs aren't getting done and it adds frustration to the workforce.

Third, I set up self employment opportunities. This option is for job seekers who have either entrepreneurial abilities or other support systems to help them with marketing, banking, service delivery and/or finding new customers.

The emphasis for finding a job is always on capacity not charity. People with disabilities add great value to the workforce. Learning about disabilities begins early. Here are some tips on 10 Things Parents should teach their kids about disabilities.