Reagan Chaney, Director of Community Impact at Melwood, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's mission of employing people with disabilities, the role of direct support professionals and the importance of workplace accommodations.
Melwood is one of the nation’s leading advocates, employers and service providers for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Their work focuses on helping people with disabilities work, live and thrive in their communities. Chaney emphasized that Melwood offers not just good jobs, but great jobs with competitive pay, benefits and opportunities for growth. The organization employs people with and without disabilities, providing full-time and part-time positions that allow individuals to learn, develop and advance their careers.
Direct Support Professionals (DSP) play a crucial role at Melwood, assisting individuals with disabilities in accessing employment and community resources. DSPs build strong relationships with employees and managers, offering support with health benefits, security clearance paperwork and union information. Their ultimate goal is to help employees with disabilities retain their jobs by addressing workplace difficulties and fostering self-advocacy skills.
Workplace accommodations are essential for creating an inclusive environment. Chaney shared examples of simple, yet effective accommodations, such as flexible work schedules, assistive technology and equipment modifications. She urged employers to view accommodations as adjustments that enable talented individuals to perform their jobs effectively, rather than as obstacles. Chaney added that hiring workers with disabilities can lead to a more diverse, innovative and productive workforce.
Listen to the full episode above to learn more about Melwood's impact on workers with disabilities.