Hey friends, Katie here. Every October, our nation observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It’s a time to recognize progress, reflect on barriers, and most importantly—to act.

At iCan Dream Center, this month means more than awareness. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the businesses in our community that believe in our students, those who have opened their doors and hearts through our student internship program. And it’s a chance to invite more local employers to do the same.

Who Our Students Really Are

Our niche is unique—and often misunderstood.

We serve young adults ages 18 to 22 in our post-high school transition program. Most have invisible disabilities—autism, ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences—that make traditional pathways harder to navigate. Yet, these young adults possess the intellect, drive, and acumen to thrive in community or even 4-year degree programs, competitive employment, and independent living with the right support.

We also serve high school seniors who don’t necessarily have diagnosed disabilities but face significant emotional and learning barriers because of difficult life experiences. For them, the stakes are heartbreakingly high.

When students like these aren’t given structured support, meaningful work, or mentoring, they can easily become disconnected from school and community. Too many end up isolated at home, addicted to screens or substances, or drifting toward risky environments that can lead to involvement with the criminal justice system.

We worry about them—not because of what they lack, but because of what the world sometimes fails to see: their potential.

Why This Month Matters

National Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion isn’t charity—it’s strategy. It’s a reminder that talent comes in all forms, and that opportunity should never be dictated by a diagnosis or a zip code.

Our students don’t want pity. They want purpose. They don’t want to be placed in sheltered workshops assembling widgets. They want real careers, real credentials, and real belonging.

And that’s where our local employers come in.

Celebrating Those Who Step Up

On October 16, we are hosting a Recognition & Awards Luncheon to honor the local businesses that have mentored, trained, and employed our students. They have modeled what inclusion looks like in action—and we couldn’t be more grateful.

They have seen what happens when young people are given a chance to prove themselves. They’ve seen confidence bloom, pride take root, and lives transform. They have seen the power of saying, “You matter here.”

An Invitation to Our Community

If you own or manage a business—big or small—please consider this your invitation to partner with us.

You can:
– Mentor a student who needs a hand navigating their first job.
– Offer a short-term, unpaid internship and let a young adult discover their strengths. We fundraise so WE can pay our students an internship training wage at YOUR business!
– Employ someone who is ready and eager to contribute.
– Believe that potential doesn’t always look typical—and that’s okay.

We’ll help you every step of the way. Training, coaching, support—whatever it takes to make it a success. You’re not just filling a position; you’re shaping a future.

A Final Word from the Heart

Every student who walks through our doors has a dream—and they deserve the chance to chase it.

When we invest in young adults with invisible disabilities or those who’ve faced emotional and educational barriers, we’re not just helping them find work. We’re helping them find their place. We’re reminding them—and ourselves—that belonging changes everything.

This October, let’s do more than recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Let’s live it. Let’s be the community that sees beyond labels, builds bridges, and believes—deeply—that every dream is worth the work.

With gratitude and hope,

Katie

Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships
iCan Dream Center