October is changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, chunky sweaters and – most importantly – National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! So, put down that PSL and ask yourself… Do we have a person with a disability on the payroll?
Hard Times Cafe does. Alec Baldwin (top photo) was a loyal diner and became an employee at the well-known local chili stop in 2024. Fast forward to today, Alec’s been promoted to host where he greets customers, provides menus, ice for drinks and silver wear.
“I really love it… I love people and I like talking to people.”
As for Alec’s plans for the future? – “Stay working!” Research shows employees with disabilities often show higher job retention rates than those without disabilities.
NDEAM recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and calls attention to the barriers that keep people out of the workforce. In July 2026, only 38.3% of working-age people with disabilities were employed, compared with 75% of people without disabilities.
At The Arc Montgomery County, we not only support people with employment, but we hire them as well. Most recently, Daniel, a graduate of The Arc's Empowering Abilities fellowship program (bottom photo), was hired as a Community Activities Assistant for Employment & Meaningful Day Services (E&MDS).
E&MDS Director Kelli Hunter-Bennett says, “It’s time for society to move beyond the disability stigma and recognize the value and dedication people with disabilities bring to the workforce."
