In October, The Guild celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement. Throughout the month, the national #NDEAM campaign aimed to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
Here at The Guild, many students and adults we serve hold full- and part-time employment positions. In honor of the month, we sat down with Angel H. and Ryan C. to ask them about their employment experiences.
Angel H.
Student, Guild School
Can you tell me a little bit about where you work?
I work at The Guild's Coffee Shop every Monday and Wednesday. Before COVID, I worked at Revival Café in Cambridge, and shifts will be starting again in a few weeks.
What’s your favorite part about the work you do?
My favorite part is that I get to deliver drinks and bagels to staff in all parts of the building.
What job would you like to have in the future?
I would like to work at a restaurant and take part in an acting program.
In your opinion, what’s the best type of bagel sold at the Coffee Shop?
The best type of bagel at the Coffee Shop is plain! I like the hot chocolate we sell, too.
Ryan C.
Resident, Melrose House
Can you tell me a little bit about where you work?
I work for DICK'S Sporting Goods. They sell sporting gear for basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and all the basic sports.
What’s your favorite part about the work you do?
My favorite part is my coworkers. Some of my coworkers I really trust because I’ve known them throughout the pandemic. We’ve lost three store managers in the last year, so right now the store is going through a lot. I’m the person who tries to make everyone laugh.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
My job in particular is very hard. Right now technically under maintenance it’s just me, and even though others clean too it’s really busy. My job teaches me how to work with people.
What job would you like to have in the future?
One of the things I’d like to do is work at The Guild School. I think I would be the best fit because I know what it’s like to be a student. I’d like to be a Teaching Assistant or mentor – something working with the students. I want to give back.
For strategies to advance disability inclusion in your workplace, check out this article promoted by the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information about NDEAM, visit this webpage.