America's Workforce: Empowering All

Family Resource Associates (FRA) announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Recently launched at FRA, Employability@FRA programs focus on the individual to help ready them, locate and maintain meaningful employment. Pre-vocational training classes are available as well as job exploration services to locate jobs in the community. In addition, job coaching is offered to students from high school transition programs in Monmouth County.

Customized Employment is a more unique service providing detailed interest and skill discovery about each individual job candidate to find or create employment that’s the best fit. Working with New Jersey’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Service and the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the individual is given attention to find that right job.

Throughout the month, FRA will share stories of local community members engaging in a variety of activities to educate the community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. “FRA is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Nancy Phalanukorn, FRA Executive Director. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities, and to promote real work for real pay."

FRA supports advanced technologies and services to positively impact and empower more participants toward independence, new opportunities for successful employment with specialists who focus on the person, not the disability, and many family services and programs. To learn more, contact FRA at 732-747-5310 x116 or development@frainc.org, or visit www.frainc.org for more information.