Why Hiring People with Disabilities Is Good for Business and for Our Community
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual recognition of the positive impact that people with disabilities have in the American Workforce. What began in 1945 has evolved over time, and the 2026 theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” Why? This is because hiring people with disabilities isn’t simply a community-minded decision; it can […]
Tyler’s Recipe for Success: Optimism, Hard Work, and a Great Team at Red Robin
If you’ve ever met Tyler, you’ve seen his smile. It’s bright, it’s genuine, and it shows up just about everywhere he goes, whether he’s grabbing a coffee, enjoying a good meal, hanging out with friends, or visiting his older sister. When Tyler came to Columbia Ability Alliance in 2023, he already had a full social […]
Transition Planning for Young Adults with Disabilities: What Families Need to Know
Every parent will tell you how quickly childhood flies by. As your child enters high school and graduation is sitting on the horizon, it can be incredibly exciting but also overwhelming for families of youth with disabilities. Unlike many students, young adults with disabilities often transition from a structured school environment into a world where services, […]
Finding Community, One Stitch at a Time: Karen’s Story
When Karen first met her Community Inclusion team, communication was the biggest hurdle. Due to her primary disability, her speech could be difficult for those who didn’t know her to understand. Her lead caretaker came along to help “translate” as needed, and Karen was endlessly kind and patient, even when she had to repeat herself […]
How Columbia Ability Alliance Supports the Blind and Visually Impaired
Employment Services is one of the programs Columbia Ability Alliance is best known for in the Tri-Cities, helping individuals with a wide range of disabilities work toward meaningful, sustainable employment. Part of that work includes a partnership with the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), through which CAA provides specialized employment services […]
Why Community Inclusion Matters for Individuals with Disabilities
Everyone deserves to belong to their greater community. Unfortunately, those with disabilities often face barriers to doing so. Community Inclusion services are designed to help create a path forward so they can gain access to their community in ways that support personal goals, develop passions and interests, and build social connections. Keep reading to learn […]
Can I Work While on Disability? What You Need to Know in 2026
Can I Work While on Disability? Here’s What Most People Get Wrong If you are receiving disability benefits, you might be afraid to start working. A lot of people worry that the moment they earn a paycheck, their benefits will disappear. That fear stops many from even trying. The truth is more flexible than most […]
Your Path to Employment Readiness for People with Disabilities
Everyone deserves the opportunity to work. Contributing to one’s family, community, and society brings immense happiness and satisfaction. However, employment readiness for people with disabilities often looks a bit different. Different, but not unachievable. With the right preparation, tools, and support, people with disabilities can find roles that bring them joy and future opportunities. This guide will walk you through the basics of how to […]
Community-Based Assessments: Exploring Careers Through Real-World Experience
Finding a job can feel harder than ever. Add to it that traditional resumes and interviews don’t always capture a person’s true potential, especially for individuals with disabilities. That is why Columbia Ability Alliance offers Community-Based Assessments, through Employment Services, a program designed to connect local businesses and job seekers, helping those seeking a career discover which types of work truly fit them. […]
Jobs for People with Disabilities: Finding the Right Fit and Getting Started
Searching for a job is a challenging task for anyone, especially for those who are accommodating a disability. While it may take a bit more effort, securing stable, meaningful jobs for people with disabilities is possible when the right supports are in place. Today, we are going to share with you common jobs for people with disabilities, why they are often beneficial, and how you […]