Abled Workers Unite
Disability Programs Hang in the Balance—Congress Holds the Key
I want to draw your attention to a critical issue affecting people with disabilities across the U.S. A widely respected coverage by Disability Scoop highlights that as of August 11, 2025, key disability-focused programs—including the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)—are facing serious funding uncertainty as Congress deliberates on appropriations .
What’s at stake:
UCEDDs, vital for training, research, and services supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, might lose funding—all while congressional decisions remain unresolved .
This funding limbo follows earlier attempts by the administration to overhaul disability-related allocations—a push that was partially halted when a key U.S. Senate panel rejected major proposed changes to IDEA and the defunding of essential programs .
Why this matters:
UCEDDs play a critical role: they're instrumental in shaping policy, fostering inclusion, educating future professionals, and supporting families. Without them, many longstanding supports could vanish.
The Senate's rejection demonstrates there is still political momentum to preserve critical disability infrastructure—but continued advocacy is essential.
If you’re involved in education, policymaking, healthcare, advocacy, or service delivery—this is a moment to amplify voices and ensure that funding for disability programs remains a top priority.
Let's act now:
Share this post to raise awareness among decision-makers.
Tag colleagues, organizations, and lawmakers to join the conversation.
Support calls for swift congressional action to secure funding for UCEDDs and related programs.
Together, we can help safeguard the programs that so many people with developmental disabilities rely on. #AWU #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #Advocacy #FundingMatters #IDEA
Inclusive Hiring: A Smart Business Move
In 2024, only 22.7% of people with disabilities were employed—compared to 65.5% without disabilities. We can change that.
Building disability inclusion into your hiring strategy: Expands your talent pool
Brings fresh perspectives and problem-solving skills
Creates solutions that benefit everyone (think captions, curb cuts, and flexible tech)
Practical steps to start today:
- Audit job postings—list only essential requirements
- Offer flexible interview formats (video, phone, text) & share questions in advance
- Include accessibility contacts in job postings
- Provide flexible work arrangements and inclusive technology
Inclusion isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Partner with disability-led organizations, listen, and keep improving.
Full article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: How to Recruit and Retain Talent with Disabilities
#AWU #DisabilityInclusion #Hiring #HR #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #BusinessStrategy
Disability Disclosure in Job Interviews
You’re not required to disclose your disability—unless you need accommodations for the interview or job. Here’s the smart way to handle it:
Before interview – Only if you need accommodations for the interview itself. During – If it’s visible or impacts key duties, keep it brief & solution-focused. After offer – If accommodations are only needed on the job.
Tip: Focus on strengths, not limitations. Example:
“I use assistive tech that helps me work more efficiently.”
The right employer values your talent first.
#AWU #CareerTips #Inclusion #DisabilityEmployment #JobSearch
When Your Job Interviewer Isn’t Human
AI is no longer just scanning resumes—it’s now conducting interviews. A recent TIME article reveals that:
96% of U.S. hiring professionals use AI in recruitment 94% say it helps identify top candidates
But many job seekers aren’t warned when their interviewer is AI
While AI can speed up hiring and improve efficiency, it also raises serious questions about:
*Bias in algorithms
*Transparency in the hiring process
Loss of human connection between employer and candidate
Candidates, too, are leaning on AI tools to craft responses—blurring the lines between authentic interaction and machine-generated answers.
Bottom line: AI will continue to transform hiring, but we must ensure that humanity isn’t left behind.
Read more here: https://time.com/7306955/ai-job-interview-recruitment/ #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip
What does your Online presence look like?
If your social media profiles are unprofessional or unflattering, it may be a good choice to wipe them clean or make them private before you continue your job search.
An impressive profile on LinkedIn can be a plus, but a X account where you log your every thought may not be. Don’t be fooled and think employers aren't checking out your social media. They are! Clean it up! #AWU #disability #jobs #socialmedia
Job search stalled? You're not alone.
When rejection emails pile up—or worse, silence sets in—it’s easy to feel discouraged. But a stalled search isn't a dead end. It’s a signal to pause, reflect, and reset.
Revisit your job strategy Seek feedback and mentorship Sharpen your networking game Focus on small wins to rebuild momentum
Stay proactive. Stay hopeful. Your next opportunity is still out there—don’t stop before it finds you. #AWU #disability #jobsearch
Top 7 Employer-Coveted Certifications – August 2025
Want to boost your job prospects? Employers are actively seeking candidates with the right certifications that show you're current, capable, and committed. Here are 7 certifications making waves this month:
Google Data Analytics Certificate – High demand in entry-level data jobs. No experience required!
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – A top pick for roles in cloud computing and IT infrastructure.
CompTIA Security+ – Cybersecurity continues to be hot. This is a great foundational cert.
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Still the gold standard for project managers in any industry.
Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate – Perfect for digital marketers and content creators.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Agile project management skills are in high demand across tech and beyond.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I – A go-to for finance and investment roles.
Whether you're changing careers or leveling up, these certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
#AWU #disability #CareerGrowth #Certifications2025 #JobSearchTips
A report from ABC News!
Why the U.S. job market is cooling off—and what it means!
Experts are sounding the alarm as U.S. job growth takes a sharp dip:
Just ~35,000 jobs monthly added on average over the three months ending in July—down from ~128,000 over the prior quarter
July added only 73,000 jobs, with May & June revised lower by hundreds of thousands
Unemployment edged up to 4.2 %
Major factors behind the slowdown:
Tariff uncertainty creating hesitation across manufacturing and trade sectors
Stricter immigration policy, removing ~1.7 million foreign-born workers since March, constraining labor supply
Federal job cuts—down ~84,000 since January, weighing on overall numbers
Sectors like manufacturing, construction, and government lost jobs, while healthcare and social assistance showed resilience
Why it matters:
Weak job growth, combined with sharp revisions, signals a labor market losing momentum
Markets priced in a 76–80% chance of a Fed interest rate cut in September to stimulate growth
Persistent inflation and policy uncertainty raise the risk of stagflation ahead.
It is a tough Job market right now. You need to stay the course in your job search. Don’t give up! Apply! Apply! Apply #AWU #disability #jobs
First impressions are formed in just 7 seconds — make them count!
Whether you're walking into a job interview, attending a networking event, or meeting a potential client, the way you present yourself right away can have a lasting impact.
Here are a few proven ways to leave a strong, positive impression:
Dress the part – Your appearance should match the tone of the environment. Clean, appropriate attire shows respect and preparedness.
Make eye contact and smile if you are able to do so – Confidence and warmth go hand in hand.
Offer a professional handshake if you are able to do so – Not too firm, not too soft. Just enough to show you're engaged.
Listen more than you speak – Show genuine interest in the other person. People remember how you made them feel.
Be yourself – Authenticity is magnetic. Trying too hard can backfire.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression — so bring your best self from the moment you walk in.
Want to dive deeper into the psychology behind first impressions? Check out this article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/career/how-do-i-make-a-good-first-impression/ar-AA1EQhEV
#AWU #CareerTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchAdvice #SoftSkills #NetworkingSuccess #FirstImpressionsMatter
U.S. Job Market Slows — Long-Term Unemployment on Rise
According to the Wall Street Journal, the number of Americans unemployed for 27+ weeks has hit its highest non‑pandemic level since 2017 – over 1.8 million people bankrate.com+15wsj.com+15world-today-news.com+15.
Even though the official unemployment rate remains relatively low at 4.2%, the median length of joblessness has climbed to 10.2 weeks – a clear sign the labor market is cooling wsj.com.
With fewer job openings per candidate and cautious hiring amid tariff uncertainty, many seasoned professionals are sending out hundreds of applications, facing delays and settling for roles well below their skill level or pay expectations wsj.com.
Takeaway for Job Hunters & Employers • For job seekers: stay persistent, expand networking, and consider strategic trade-offs. • For employers: the tough market means talent is cautious—even passive candidates may need extra encouragement. #AWU #disability #jobs