Disability Network Eastern Michigan Joins American Dream Employment Network to Create Job Opportunities
News Release:
Disability Network Eastern Michigan becomes Member of the American Dream Employment
Creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the Ticket to Work program
[Dateline:Troy, Michigan, December 15, 2023]– Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) announced today that it is now a member of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN). ADEN is a national administrative Employment Network providing employment services to individuals receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits under the Ticket to Work program.
In 2022, 21.3 percent of persons witha disability were employed, up from 19.1 percent in 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this year. For persons without a disability, 65.4 percent were employed in 2022, up from 63.7 percent in the prior year. DNEM’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Winn, reminds us that “persons with disabilities have the same rights as persons without disabilities to participate in and contribute to society. Persons without a disability were three-times more likely to find employment than persons with disabilities. This alignment with ADEN opens paths to independence.”
For individuals receiving SSA disability benefits, the return to gainful employment can be complicated and challenging. SSA recognizes the challenges that beneficiaries face in returning to work and, as a result, are able to offer supports to individuals who have the goal of achieving financial self-sufficiency, through its Ticket to Work program.
“The American Dream is a set of ideals including democracy, rights, liberty, and equality. Freedom is interpreted as the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as upward social mobility, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. We believe that this is true for ALL individuals” say Traci Comer-Scarsella, Associate Director for Disability Network Eastern Michigan. “Belonging to ADEN allows DNEM to create apath for individuals with disabilities, who are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits, and want to return to, or begin working for the first time. Through work grows independence, consumerism, freedom, and the removal of barriers.”
ADEN is a division of National Disability Institute (NDI) whose mission is to provide a better economic future for Americans with disabilities. ADEN is interested in providing services that lead to the long-term financial stability of job seekers receiving disability benefits. ADEN Members offer the following core services: career counseling, Social Security Work Incentives advice, job search supports, connection toemployers, money management resources and long-term support on the job.
If you are receiving SSI or SocialSecurity Disability, and are between the ages of 18-64 and looking for employment, please visit www.americandreamen.org or contact Disability Network Eastern Michigan at 586-268-4160 or email JPickard@DNEMichigan.org
Disability Network Eastern Michigan is a center for independent living serving people with disabilities in Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties. Independent living changes attitudes, expands community options, removes barriers, and increases choice. Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting inclusion for all by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards independence and personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education.
*About American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) recognizes the importance of engaging employers in a meaningful way, and is focused on building a network of Employer Partners who are interested in diversifying their workforce by hiring qualified candidates with a disability. If you are an employer and interested in becoming an ADEN partner, please contact ADEN Administration at 844-687-2336, or email info@americandreamEN.org.
