National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026: What October Meant to Us in Naples
Every October, I look forward to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It's a month that reminds all of us why this work matters, and this year it felt especially personal.
Throughout the month, our team shared employment stories from people we have the opportunity to support here in Naples. As October comes to an end, I wanted to bring those stories together in one place, tell you a little more about what we do, and invite you to celebrate with us in November.
What Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October. It is led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), and it recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities.
This year's theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent." When I think about those words, I think about the people we support and their families. Their contributions deserve to be seen and recognized.
You can learn more about NDEAM and ways to take part on the official U.S. Department of Labor NDEAM page.
The Stories We Shared This October
One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing people on the job. Here are a few moments we shared this month.
Jeremiah
Our team stopped by to see Jeremiah at work, and it was good to see him contributing to his team. Visits like this mean a lot to us. They give us a chance to stay connected, see how things are going and be there along the way.
Brett
Brett works at the customer service counter at Bealls. During Customer Service Week, it was a lovely opportunity to appreciate his contribution. We're glad to be part of his employment journey.
Milton
Milton has completed three months of employment at Bealls! We're glad to recognize the work he's doing and to celebrate this milestone with him. And thank you to Bealls for being part of his employment journey, too.
Each of these stories is different, but they have something in common: a person who took a step toward work, an employer who made room for them, and a team that stayed close along the way.
How Employment Network Helps Adults With Disabilities Find Work in Naples
Employment Network of Southwest Florida has supported individuals with disabilities since 2013. We work with job seekers mainly in Naples and across Collier and Lee counties.
Our support is personal, and it continues after someone is hired. Our services include:
Benefits and career counseling — learn how work may affect your disability benefits and get guidance to find the right job for you.
Employment readiness — help finding opportunities, preparing for interviews and building the skills to succeed.
Job placement — support connecting with employers and opportunities in our community.
Ongoing support — help solving workplace issues and growing in your career after you're hired.
Community and employer outreach — working with local businesses to build more inclusive workplaces.
We are an Employment Network in the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program, and we also serve people referred through Vocational Rehabilitation. If you're referred by either program, your services are covered. If you're not part of these programs, you can still contact us to talk about how we may be able to help.
Can You Help Young Adults With Autism Find a Job?
This is a question I hear often from parents. Many families come to us looking for support for a son or daughter with autism who is ready to work, or almost ready. We welcome those conversations.
The first step is simply to reach out. We'll talk about your situation, explain whether you may qualify, and walk you through how the process begins. We wrote a guide to the questions families ask most: Can Employment Network Help My Adult Child With Autism Find Work?
Thank You to the Employers Who Make It Possible
Inclusive employment works when employers are part of it. This month we were proud to recognize Bealls for being part of Brett's and Milton's journeys. If your business is interested in inclusive hiring, we'd love to talk with you, too.
From NDEAM to Working Together: Join Us on November 18
We've been sharing employment stories throughout NDEAM, and in November we'll come together to recognize the people behind them.
Working Together: A Celebration of Inclusive Employment is a free morning event in Naples. We'll recognize people who have started jobs within the past year, those who have been working longer, and the employers and employment specialists who are part of those journeys. There will also be an inclusive employment panel and mock interviews.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: North Collier Regional Park, Exhibit Hall, Naples, FL
Cost: Free and open to the public
Families, workers, employers and community members are all welcome. I'd love to see you there.
You can read all the event details here: Working Together 2026: Celebrating Inclusive Employment in Naples, FL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can receive services from Employment Network?
We support adults with disabilities who want to work, mainly in Naples and throughout Collier and Lee counties. People between 18 and 64 who receive SSDI or SSI may qualify for the Ticket to Work program. Call us and we'll help you find out whether you qualify.
Do I have to pay for services?
If you're referred by the Ticket to Work program or Vocational Rehabilitation, your services are covered. If not, contact us and we can talk about how we can help.
Will I lose my disability benefits if I start working?
Not necessarily. Ticket to Work has built-in protections, and our benefits counseling helps you understand how earnings may affect your benefits.
Is the Working Together event free?
Yes. It's free and open to the public. Registration is through our online form.
Let's Stay Connected
If you or someone in your family is looking for employment support, we'd be happy to talk.
Call: (239) 452-4020
Email: info@enworks.org
Make an appointment: schedule online
Visit us (by appointment): 3050 Horseshoe Dr N, Suite 158, Naples, FL 34104
Thank you for being part of this community.
—Idela Hernandez
Executive Director, Employment Network of Southwest Florida
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