October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the experiences that adults living with spinal muscular atrophy face in the workplace and beyond.

America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion

The official theme for this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion. Throughout the month, we’ll hear from members of the SMA community about their different experiences and advice through community spotlights and guests posts.

Many adults with SMA pursue post-graduate degrees, entrepreneurship, corporate jobs, and government and nonprofit work. While they face certain challenges when finding jobs, they also have seen tremendous success in the workforce and add great value to any company. Still, the U.S., the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is regularly twice as high than for individuals without disabilities in 2019. It’s crucial to discuss disability employment issues and gaps people with SMA may face. It’s also important to celebrate the progress we’ve made.

Thanks to new treatments and a better standard of care, people with SMA are living longer and stronger. Cure SMA understands the need for more information, services, and support for adults living with SMA.

Join the conversation! As COVID-19 continues, we want to hear about the impact COVID-19 has had on your work or employment opportunities.  Are you job hunting or have tips and tricks on how to land a job? What have been the biggest wins or challenges you’ve faced in the workplace? How has your career been impacted by COVID-19? Email us at [email protected]!

Community Spotlights

*Previously shared SMA Community stories provided below as well

What’s SMA?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare disease that robs people of their strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. SMA may take away a person’s ability to walk, eat, or breathe. SMA does not affect a person’s ability to think, learn, and build relationships with others.

LEARN MORE

Teen and Adult Support Package

The Cure SMA Support Package for teens and adults is  filled with helpful items that have been recommended by adults living with SMA. Many of the items included have been found to make activities of daily living easier – especially at work – and allow those with SMA to gain independence with certain tasks they may note able to do on their own.

If you are a teen or adult with SMA who hasn’t already received this package, request one at not cost to you by visiting: events.curesma.org/supportpackage.

Past NDEAM Stories and Content

Cure SMA logo with National Disability Employment Awareness Month logo with text that reads "October is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities and seeks to educate about the value of a workforce inclusive of all skills and talents.