National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Creating Opportunity, Building Belonging

At SpringForward Ventures, our eight employees are helping demonstrate what a more inclusive workplace can look like. Together, they operate a commercial kitchen that prepares 80,000 meals annually and a hydroponic farm that grows fresh produce while providing hands-on workforce training, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

As we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, we’re celebrating the work happening every day at SpringForward and the employment opportunities it creates for people who have too often been overlooked.

The need for these opportunities remains significant. Despite greater awareness of disability inclusion, employment gaps persist. Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders notes that international estimates of unemployment or underemployment among autistic adults reach as high as 80%.

 Behind those numbers are people with skills, ambitions and a desire to contribute. Too often, people overlook their potential.

Turning Opportunity Into Action

Through SpringForward Farms and SpringForward Feeds, employees develop practical skills in hydroponic agriculture, food production and related industries while gaining experience, confidence and greater economic independence.

But employment is about more than getting hired.

SpringForward's EVERY Employee™ framework recognizes that people learn, communicate and succeed differently. Through individualized training, workplace flexibility, whole-person support and employee participation in decision-making, we're creating an environment where people have the tools to succeed.

The expectations are real, as is our commitment to helping employees meet them.

The Value of Inclusive Employment

Different experiences and perspectives strengthen teams. Employees overlooked in traditional hiring bring valuable skills and ideas.

Inclusion isn't simply about offering someone a position. It's about allowing them to grow, contribute, and build a future.

At SpringForward, that connection between employment and personal growth is central to our mission. Whether cultivating fresh produce or developing food preparation skills, each experience builds a foundation for greater independence.

We know progress doesn't always happen in a straight line. Learning takes time. Confidence develops through experience. Meaningful opportunities require patience, investment, and commitment to the individual.

This October, we're proud to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the employees, employers and organizations working to make meaningful employment more accessible.

Everyone deserves more than a chance to get a job; they deserve the opportunity to succeed, contribute, and belong.