Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Montgomery County, MD, [October 8, 2024] – As we celebrate October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), SEEC (Seeking Employment, Equality, and Community for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) continues to lead the way in advancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Montgomery County, MD.

SEEC is proud to be leading this year’s local efforts to educate legislators during "Take Your Legislator to Work Day" on Tuesday, October 8, highlighting the success of inclusive hiring practices across Maryland. This initiative, hosted in partnership with Arc Maryland, Neurodiversity at Work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), and eight other organizations, provides an opportunity for state legislators to visit job sites throughout Maryland where individuals with disabilities are making valuable contributions to the workforce and their local communities.

Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Carol Beatty expressed the significance of this event: "‘Take Your Legislator to Work Day’ shines a light on the capabilities and contributions of workers with disabilities. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate that when we support inclusive employment practices, we build a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities."

"Employment should be accessible to everyone. Through techniques like customized employment, we’ve helped individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) find meaningful work and earn competitive wages. The 'Take Your Legislator to Work Day' is a powerful way to show lawmakers firsthand how inclusive hiring benefits both the individual and the business community,” said Karen Lee, the CEO of SEEC.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, at Flemings Ultimate Garage in Rockville, where SEEC-supported employee Andrew Lam has found long-term employment. Flemings Ultimate Garage is one of the many businesses that has embraced inclusive hiring practices, seeing firsthand the value of a diverse workforce.

Tony Flemings, the owner of Flemings Ultimate Garage, shared his experience with inclusive hiring. "Working with Andrew has been incredible. He’s an essential part of our team, and his work ethic and attention to detail have really impressed us. Partnering with SEEC has shown me that hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just good for business—it enriches our entire workplace culture." Andrew Lam, a SEEC-supported employee at Flemings Ultimate Garage, added, "I love working with cars, and I feel like part of a team here. I like helping people. It feels good. Shining cars made people happy.”

SEEC’s customized employment programs have proven highly effective, resulting in a 58% employment rate for the individuals it supports—nearly three times the national average for people with I/DD. SEEC-supported employees earn an average of $17.54 per hour, with cumulative annualized earnings of $3.7 million for the 170 employees in the program.

"We’re excited to celebrate the employers who are creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities," said Karen Lee. "These partnerships prove that inclusive hiring is more than a social responsibility—it’s a smart business decision."

About SEEC:

SEEC (Seeking Employment, Equality, and Community) is dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful, competitive employment and fully participate in their communities. Through personalized employment services and advocacy, SEEC empowers individuals to achieve greater independence and fulfillment in their professional and personal lives.