Starkey helps people with disabilities gain independence and employment
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The U.S. Department of Labor reports just 22.3% of people with disabilities were employed in 2023.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The month spotlights people's abilities and employers who give them the chance to succeed.
"We have people who have wanted to be employed for a long time," Jamie Reed with Starkey said. "They have goals. They have certain types of jobs that they like to do. And so this awareness month for us just brings attention to the topic for employers. They may not know that we have a supported employment program at Starkey."
Starkey is an organization that works with disabled people to help them gain and maintain independence.
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"Our job coaches get to know people that we support, know what they want in terms of a job, and then, they also get to know the employers and their needs," Reed said. "And they really do that research to bring people together and make a good job match for them and for those who are in the community with those who have special needs."
Reed says there isn't a lack of enthusiasm or work ethic. Sometimes, those with special needs face social barriers, and that's where the job coach can help.
"We do a lot of practicing for interviews and interactions. Sometimes, it's a transportation barrier. We have been working to be beneficial for all the people that we help get employed through our program. They are able to finally earn a paycheck that allows them to rent an apartment to, in some cases, drive a car to pursue the types of activities that we all enjoy," Reed said.
Reed says the benefits of a job can help a person excel.
"Certainly, a paycheck is part of it, but I think the relationships that they form on the job are equally, if not more important to them and just having that community of people," Reed said.
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Masha Moore has been involved in Starkey programs for over a decade and says she wouldn't be where she is today without them. She volunteered at Birds of Paradise for years and recently became an employee.
"I like to wake up in the morning and feel good about where I work and to wake up in the morning just saying I'll be like, oh, I love my job so much. You know, I enjoy getting up and going to work. I don't really like staying home or not doing anything. That's so boring," Moore said.
She says her job has helped her become more social and confident.
"That's what I really like about this job, that it's worth going to," Moore said. "I enjoy it. People enjoy me. I really like jobs that are going to be supportive of you."
Moore has been in jobs that were not supportive of her differences.
"People treated me very badly, and I can't do that. I just couldn't. I like jobs that are going to be supportive of somebody who has disabilities. And yeah, this is the job for me," Moore said.
John Zimmerman, the owner of Birds of Paradise, says Moore has been a blessing.
"We can count on her. She's dedicated to the job, and she's reliable," Zimmerman said. "Give them the chance, and they'll show you how they can shine on."
Moore credits Starkey for helping her get to this point.
"It has taken me a really long time to get this far, and I couldn't have done it without Starkey.
Reed says if you are a job seeker or an employer who is curious about working together, Starkey can help make the connections. Employers may also receive tax credits.
