This month we speak with three sibling employment experts to discuss sib employment and how we can best support and advocate with our siblings with disabilities.  Our guests are:

• Ryan Rotundo, Sibling, Manager of Employment Programs at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) ([email protected])
• Byran Dai , Sibling, CEO and Co-founder of Daivergent  ([email protected])
• Mike Carmody, Sibling, Executive Leader, Opportunity Knocks, ([email protected])

Access the transcript of this episode here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• CEO Commission for Disability Employment
• SLN COVID-19 Resource Center
• Microsoft Career Connector
• Inclusively
• List of State Agencies
• List of State Vocational Rehabs
• Rangam
• Special Olympics
• Buddy Walks
• Tim's Place
• North Carolina Council in Developmental Disabilities
• WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance)
• CWIX (Community Work Incentive Coordinators)
• Section 14C

Highlights:

• “Disability, non-disability; finding employment is hard." -Byran Dai
• “There are abilities beyond what they may see for that family member with a disability and sometimes siblings get a front row seat to that” -Ryan Rotundo
• “We have that unique position of being a built-in ally.” -Byran Dai
• “When I try to create a better life for him, I'm creating a better life for myself too.”  -Mike Carmody
• “Strong talent is going to come from this community.”  -Byran Dai

In this episode:

• 00:51 - Introductions
• 04:18 - Currently, just under 18% of individuals with disabilities in the US are employed.  Why do you think that number is so low?
• 08:31 - What challenges or roadblocks do our siblings with disabilities face when trying to be gainfully employed?
• 12:30 - Are racial discrimination and gender inequity concerns for our siblings as well?
• 14:03 - What role can siblings play in supporting their brother or sister with disabilities in employment?  
• 21:58 - How can we, as siblings, best advocate with our siblings with disabilities for inclusive and equitable employment opportunities?
• 26:05 - How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed employment for individuals with disabilities and their families?
• 31:09 - How has being a sibling of an individual with disabi

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