October is a meaningful month for those of us passionate about inclusive employment, because it marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM). This month reminds us to celebrate the talent, dedication, and value that individuals with disabilities bring to workplaces across the country, something we are fortunate to witness every single day here at Incompass.

In this work, we’ve learned that for an individual to truly shine, we first need to understand who they are, their personality, their motivations, and their strengths. When we take the time to really get to know someone, we can help leverage their unique skills in a job environment where they can thrive.

One of the best examples of this is Jason. When he was let go from Walmart after many years of service, he didn’t dwell on the setback. Instead, he was eager to jump back into the workforce, help others, and stay connected to his community. Today, Jason is a valued and dedicated team member at Stop & Shop, and his resilience is a powerful reminder of why inclusive employment matters.

Then there’s Yovanny, who has spent the last eight years making a difference at Merrimack College as a dining area attendant. His strong work ethic and pride in his role shine through every shift. Success stories like Jason’s and Yovanny’s inspire us to keep pushing forward, because every meaningful job placement opens more doors for more individuals.

At Incompass, employment is about independence, confidence, and belonging. And once someone is through the door, the journey doesn’t stop, it grows. When employers invest in someone’s potential, that relationship strengthens, and the results are incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.

Throughout #NDEAM, we’ve highlighted stories like these on social media, not only to celebrate success, but to show what’s possible when individuals are understood, supported, and given opportunity.