Connecting Families
…from Disability Scoop.
A new federal effort is encouraging young people with disabilities — and those who come into contact with them — to set high expectations.
In a public service campaign, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment is highlighting the experiences of seven Americans with varying disabilities who’ve excelled at work, sports and in life because of the support of others.
“Many people who achieve success and have found satisfaction in their careers have done so because one person believed in them and urged them to set their expectations high,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “This PSA challenges viewers to rethink their ideas about what people with disabilities can achieve and consider what they might do to encourage young people with disabilities to pursue their personal and career goals.”
Those featured in the campaign include a Virginia man with Down syndrome who works for a caterer and an artist with Asperger’s syndrome who credits a teacher for helping him see his talent.
“Like all young people, youth with disabilities should grow up expecting to work and succeed,” a voice-over in the PSA says.
Dubbed “Because,” the PSA is being distributed to over 1,400 television stations, Labor Department officials said.