Melwood

🚨 BREAKING: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s Board of Directors just approved next year's budget, avoiding massive cuts to bus and rail service that would have disproportionally impacted workers with disabilities. Melwood's Chief Contract and Operations Officer KARL GRONINGER expressed grave concerns over WMATA's funding crisis and its impact on disabled workers earlier this year. We applaud WMATA for taking our concerns seriously and finding solutions that empower Melwood employees and other workers with disabilities to achieve financial independence. Read Karl's op-ed in Greater Greater Washington: https://lnkd.in/ebmMH8rX #disabledworkers #disability #workerswithdisability #perfectforthejob #Melwood

Jobs within the IT field are expected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030. Thanks to Melwood’s abilIT program, in partnership with @Cybrary, people with disabilities can receive technical training, as well as professional and personal development, ensuring they have the skills necessary to thrive in the IT career field. People with disabilities with either a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent are eligible for admission. Veterans living with post-traumatic stress or a service-related injury are also encouraged to apply. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/d_34cbCK

Today, Melwood announced a groundbreaking new partnership with Enabled Intelligence, Inc (EI), a global leader in mission-critical AI data solutions for the US Defense and Intelligence Community, that will help bridge massive gaps in the IT and technical workforce by creating a steady pipeline of qualified talent, while also acting as a national model for hiring and training a diverse workforce. https://lnkd.in/gqcPCafu #DataAnnotation #Diversity #Disability #WorkforceTraining #Tech

The federal Supplemental Security Insurance program was designed to help people with disabilities and help ensure the financial security of individuals who have limited income and access to resource. However, flaws within its structures trap people with disabilities in cycles of poverty and contribute to a reluctance to do away with outdated policies like subminimum wages for people with disabilities. Under the current program structure, people with disabilities are forced to grapple with taking a new job or promotion at the risk of losing critical benefits or choosing not to advance in their careers at all to maintain benefits and healthcare coverage that enables them to engage in their lives and communities. https://lnkd.in/eXqEXtmt #disability #disabilityemployment

Camp Accomplish is a unique summer experience from Melwood and Children's National Hospital. By bringing together these two highly credentialed teams, we're able to offer a distinct and fully inclusive summer camp experience for children and teens with and without disabilities and chronic health conditions. Everyone is welcome at Camp Accomplish. This means: ✔️Siblings who have unique health needs or who require extra support can experience camp with siblings who may not need those supports. ✔️Children and teens with disabilities or chronic health conditions will NOT be denied access to exciting experiences and opportunities like canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, or zip lining. ✔️Children and teens with disabilities and chronic health conditions will have highly experienced, credentialed medical teams at their fingertips, ensuring their safety, dignity, and growth while at camp. ✔️Children and teens who need extra support and those who do not will all be experiencing activities together, creating an environment of understanding, tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion. Learn more about this unique, inclusive camp experience today! https://lnkd.in/efY9z7E7

On this day in 1977, more than 100 people with different disabilities began a weeks-long sit-in protest at a federal building in San Francisco to demand greater accessibility and accommodations for people with disabilities. Their action was spurred by the federal government's failure to implement portions of a groundbreaking federal law that guaranteed people with disabilities have access to public services like libraries, public transportation, and the court system. Known as the "504 Sit-in," the protest lasted more than 100 days and paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Today, Melwood honors and remembers these Disabilities Rights Activists and their work to make the world a more fair and equitable place. We are proud to carry their legacy forward through advocacy and broader efforts to ensure people with disabilities and the Direct Support Professionals who support them have access life-affirming opportunities like good jobs, living wages, reliable transportation, and affordable housing. To learn more visit www.melwood.org. (Photo credit: San Francisco Examiner Archive. Courtesy of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.)

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day (March 2), Melwood was honored by Chair Pro Tem Councilwoman Selonia Miles of the Dumfries Town Council for our work supporting people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Receiving the proclomation was Melwood's President and CEO, Larysa Kautz. Joining her were Melwood's Chief Growth Officer Joseph Diaz and Board Chair Brad Spencer. More than 5 million American adults have ASD. Many face significant barriers to life-affirming opportunities like access to affordable housing and good jobs. Through our AbilIT and other programs, Melwood has been helping people with ASD gain access to satisfying and meaningful careers. #AutismAcceptanceMonth #Autism #Disability #DisabilityRights

We are committed to growing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. That's why Melwood was proud to team up with Maryland Works and the VA Hospital in Baltimore to help recruit and hire people with disabilities across the DMV region! We spoke with many candidates about their strengths and areas of expertise, and were able to successfully extend offers to 15 candidates in custodial services and landscaping across the Maryland area. If your team is interested in partnering with Melwood for a hiring event, contact Cynthia Gervais at cgervais@melwood.org or Andy Smith at asmith@melwood.org to get started today! #GoodJobs #CareerFair #MarylandWorks #Disability

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s uncertain funding future is deeply concerning for workers with disabilities, as well as people with disabilities who want to work, are looking for work, or are learning the skills necessary to earn and maintain financial independence. As state and local leaders grapple with how to respond now and in the years to come, people with disabilities must have an equal seat at the table and be included in forward-thinking solutions. Read more about how public transportation, and its funding challenges, disproportionately impact people with disabilities in this Greater Greater Washington op-ed by Melwood's Chief Contract Operations Officer, KARL GRONINGER. https://lnkd.in/ebmMH8rX

March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Today, we honor and recognize the contributions of Jason Carr, Technology Coordinator at NFP. After graduating from Melwood's AbilIT program, Jason found success with NFP where he now leads their disability resource business group. Read Jason's story in his own words. Like and share this post to raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy.