Unemployment among adults with disabilities across the US is double that of those without a disability, according to the Department of Labor. Despite desire, ability, and willingness to work, individuals with disabilities face many barriers to securing gainful employment. However, through The Arc of Calhoun County's Employment Services program, participants are finding the support they need to secure and thrive in meaningful community employment.

Last month staff from The Arc of Calhoun County, along with a parent participant in our Educational Advocacy program, attended the Navigating Autism Today Conference in Novi, Michigan. This conference came just ahead of Autism Awareness Month, which takes place annually in April.

High school students are often offered opportunities for exploring pathways for their future, like college visits, internships, or career training programs. For students with disabilities, it may be harder to see themselves in some of these pathways. This is the gap that Michigan’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program is filling for students with disabilities, and The Arc is excited to be a part of it.