As Disability Pride Month comes to an end, Director of Communications and Development, Katy Barrett, looks at the challenges facing Seeking Employment, Equality, and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities’ (SEEC).
With its long history of supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, SEEC was established in 1987. SEEC’s mission is, “To help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to direct their lives with dignity, choice, authority, and responsibility.”
Celebrated in July Disability Pride Month marks a time for individuals to evaluate all the progress made and map out what still needs to be done.
Director Barrett reminds us, “Individuals with disabilities add a significant value to our society, and they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.”
She points to ways SEEC empowers individuals with disabilities, including helping find jobs, volunteer work within their local communities, and advocating for themselves. SEEC seeks out employers interested who believe in hiring a diverse workforce.
The current political atmosphere may present setbacks to the pursuit of disability equality. Advocates worry about funding cuts, Medicaid cuts, and the elimination of DEI practices. Also of concern is the increase in negative rhetoric at the federal level.
Thirty-five years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, services and support have grown but room for improvement remains.
For more information and ways to support SEEC’s mission, see their website.
