Melwood

With a little extra planning, Halloween can be a fun and positive experience for everyone, rather than a stressful one. Here are easy steps families, neighborhoods, and entire communities can take to make Halloween safe, accessible, and inclusive for every child.   

We’re excited to share that Melwood’s President & CEO, Larysa K., was recently featured in Government Executive magazine discussing the challenges and opportunities for employing people with disabilities in the federal workforce. Larysa’s personal story and insights highlight why simply hiring people with disabilities isn’t enough. We must also create inclusive workplaces that support long-term retention. Dwight Davis, president of both the Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce and Global Connections to Employment, was also featured in the story. As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), this article sheds light on the critical need for proactive inclusion and accommodation efforts in the federal government. Read the full article to learn more about how we can create lasting change! #NDEAM #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #DisabilityEmployment

It is not enough to view entry-level positions as the only goal for people with disabilities. We must reset societal expectations, expand our understanding of inclusion, and recognize what we all miss out on when we allow artificial barriers to limit someone’s career potential.  #DisabilityEmployment #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth

Let’s clear up a common myth: Just because you can’t see a disability, doesn’t mean it isn’t real.     Invisible disabilities (such as chronic pain, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, autism and more) are often misunderstood simply because they can’t be seen. Many people with these conditions face unnecessary barriers. Invisible Disabilities Week is about overcoming those barriers.     Research shows that nearly half (47 percent) of employees with invisible disabilities have not disclosed their condition at work. And workers with invisible disabilities are nearly twice as likely to feel excluded there.    At Melwood, we know that people with invisible disabilities have the skills, dedication, and resilience to succeed when given the opportunity and support they deserve. Embrace inclusivity and understand that disabilities come in many forms, visible and invisible. To read more, visit Melwood.org.  #WorkerswithDisabilities #InvisibleDisabilities #DisabilityEmployment

Last week, Melwood was honored to host several members of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Prince George's County at our headquarters in Upper Marlboro. During this visit, we discussed advancing disability employment and explored ways to hire and retain more direct support professionals (DSPs), a critical part of Maryland’s workforce. As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we're proud to highlight Melwood's ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for people with disabilities and fostering inclusive workplaces. Special thanks to Delegates Nicole Williams, Adrian Boafo, Kevin M. Harris, Jamila Woods, MDiv, LGSW, CAMS-I, Denise Roberts, and representatives from Delegates Jazz Lewis and diana fennell's offices for joining us for this impactful conversation. Learn more by reading our press release: https://lnkd.in/g4kibxRy #NDEAM #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #DisabilityEmployment #Melwood

Melwood was recently awarded the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal for 2024 by the National Organization on Disability. This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of industries and Melwood is incredibly proud to be among this distinguished group, remaining steadfast to furthering equity in the workplace and beyond. This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, contact Melwood to learn how you, too, can adopt employment practices that support and empower people with disabilities. #NDEAM #DisabilityEmployment

A huge thank you to the SIM - Capital Area Chapter (SIMCAC) and KPMG for selecting Melwood’s AbilIT program as one of the beneficiaries of the 6th Annual Charity Golf Outing! We had an amazing time connecting with golfers and sharing more about this flagship program. AbilIT is a 14-week training course in partnership Cybrary, guiding participants through technical training as well as professional and personal development. Learn more about the AbilIT program: https://lnkd.in/eh_gN8R

Larysa K. President & CEO of Melwood, recently joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about good jobs and livable wages for people with disabilities. Listen to the discussion here! https://lnkd.in/eZTd74wj #NDEAM 

Melwood was thrilled to host Congressman Glenn Ivey yesterday at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Carver Center in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Melwood employees, including those with and without disabilities, help support the mission of the USDA by providing total facilities management services, including operations and maintenance, groundskeeping, and custodial services. Rep. Ivey met with Melwood employees, heard their stories, and toured the facility to see the kind of work Melwood employees perform for our customers and experience first-hand the quality of their craftsmanship. #DisabilityEmployment #NDEAM

Inclusion doesn’t stop at hiring—it’s about creating pathways for growth. This Disability Employment Awareness Month—and every month—Melwood is proud to continue our mission of ensuring people like Marc can not only enter the workforce, but thrive there.” #NDEAM