Breaking Barriers: Insights from Disability Employment Awareness Month

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of inclusive hiring practices. The recent episode of “Enable: The Disability Podcast” features insights from Darelyn Pazdel of PRIDE Industries, who discusses the need for employers to acknowledge and overcome biases against individuals with disabilities.

Pazdel emphasizes that employers should focus on an individual’s capabilities rather than the limitations associated with their disabilities. “It’s important to remind employers to set aside their biases. See the person for what they can do and not through the frame of their disability,” she stated. By removing these barriers, employers can access a vast, untapped workforce, ready to contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

In addition to the podcast, a significant event supporting this mission is the upcoming Community at Work Virtual Job Fair, scheduled for 2025. This platform aims to connect diverse and skilled job seekers with employers looking to build inclusive teams. Interested individuals can explore current job openings and participate in the fair at advancemediany.com/career-fair-2025.

The podcast is hosted by Geoff Herbert and Kurt Hower, both of whom bring personal experiences related to disabilities. Herbert, a reporter and content supervisor at syracuse.com, has lived with profound binaural hearing loss. His journey includes a successful 25-year career as a DJ, where he adapted to challenges using assistive technologies such as visual waveforms and closed captioning.

Meanwhile, Hower has dedicated over 35 years to the media industry and champions a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. He serves on various boards, including the Central PA Chapter Arthritis Foundation, where he has worked towards policy advocacy and community development. Hower himself has ankylosing spondylitis, a rare condition causing spinal arthritis, and he encourages a focus on contributions rather than limitations.

“Enable: The Disability Podcast” releases new episodes weekly on platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and iHeart. This initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage dialogue on disability and employment. For further details, listeners can follow the podcast on social media at facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok.

For those seeking support or resources related to employment, PRIDE Industries offers a dedicated hotline at 844-I-AM-ABLE (844-426-2253), providing assistance to job seekers with disabilities.

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month unfolds, the conversation around inclusivity in the workplace remains vital. By sharing stories and practical advice, initiatives like “Enable: The Disability Podcast” play a crucial role in fostering understanding and connection, paving the way for a more inclusive future.