Frazer Center celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Tiarrah is a participant in Frazer Center’s Supported Employment program and has been on staff at Marshalls since April. Ask her favorite thing about the job and she doesn’t hesitate: the people. Connecting with co-workers is something most employees value—and for many people with disabilities who may face barriers to community connection, supportive colleagues can be especially meaningful.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Frazer’s Supported Employment team works year-round to help individuals with disabilities find and keep meaningful, competitive jobs—starting with each person’s priorities, interests, skills, and employment dreams. Only then does the job search begin.
For many Georgians with disabilities, landing a job takes time. Most applicants first need a Medicaid waiver through Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). With a waitlist of over 7000 people, this first step can take years, but it’s a crucial step in accessing support services from organizations like Frazer Center. Next comes opening a case with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), which can involve additional waiting. Once these pieces are in place, Frazer’s job coaches partner with each job seeker to turn their goals into reality.
Tiarrah, Aaliyah, and Matthew have crossed those hurdles—and they’re working in roles they’re proud of.
“We can count on Tiarrah,” says Helen, a coworker at Marshalls. “She’s always on time, and she’s quick and thorough.” One of Tiarrah’s responsibilities is returning clothing from dressing-room racks to the correct place on the sales floor. “She’s very conscientious,” adds Helen. “I appreciate that about her.”
Aaliyah works at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. She retrieves wheelchairs after travelers reach their destinations and loves meeting people from all over the world. It’s especially meaningful when she hears someone is reuniting with family. Aaliyah is also curious about becoming a flight attendant one day. With support from Frazer Job Coach Thomas Johnson, she’s exploring what that path could look like. “If Aaliyah has a dream of being a flight attendant,” says Thomas, “it’s my job to help her explore that possibility.”
Matthew has been with Popeyes for almost six months. He helps make sure the store is clean and ready to open by 10:00 a.m. He enjoys his colleagues—and his paycheck—and hopes to grow within the company. When that time comes, Thomas will be there to help Matthew and his employer design a next step that sets everyone up for success.
Frazer Center CEO DeAnna Julian believes that inclusive hiring strengthens workplaces. “Hiring people with disabilities can shift the culture in a workplace,” she says. “It signals to customers that inclusion is a priority, it can boost staff morale, and employers may be eligible for tax incentives. We are so grateful for partners who open doors to competitive, integrated jobs. Many are discovering the untapped potential within the disability community—it’s a win for everyone.”
Interested in inclusive hiring or partnering with Frazer?
Contact Shelita Brumfield, Employment Specialist: s.brumfield@frazercenter.org