In 1988 Congress declared October National Disability Employment Awareness Month  and as the state’s only Independent Living center, Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is taking this opportunity to spread the word about some of the progressive employment programs our award winning organization offers.

This past year, despite tough economic times and record unemployment rates, the Employment Services department at GSIL placed 83 individuals with disabilities in jobs with salaries ranging from $7-$25 per hour. Note, of this group, 98% have disabilities defined as severe.

Many of us are defined by our jobs; it is an important part of who we are. With this in mind, the Employment Services team strives to place individuals in career-track positions that offer benefits, stability and an increasing opportunity for advancement. As GSIL continues to serve our consumers, we will continue to be leaders in addressing the needs of New Hampshire employers.

GSIL committed to assisting people with disabilities reach their employment goals by providing a wide range of employment services- including benefits counseling- so achieving the American dream is a real possibility. GSIL collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation, offers Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities (MEAD), and is an Employment Network for Ticket to Work.

Congress designated a National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). To highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed. This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."