Autism and Employment: How We Can Build Better Workplace Opportunities
While millions of adults are in the workforce today, far too many autistic individuals remain unemployed, not for lack of ability, but for lack of opportunity. Looking for a job can be hard for anybody, but those on the autism spectrum often face far more systemic barriers. Despite growing awareness, the unemployment rate for autistic adults is approximately 40%, with the years following post-high school graduation reporting even lower […]
Preparing Youth with Disabilities for Life After High School
Transitioning from high school to adult life is difficult for most teens, but it can be especially challenging for youth with disabilities. Additional challenges can leave many young adults with disabilities isolated, unemployed, or relying solely on state assistance. Unfortunately, this often results in a lack of independence and can become the norm in their […]
Meet Mark M.: Responsible, Reliable, Ready to Work!
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re excited to introduce you to Mark, one of our outstanding Employment Services clients. Mark is dependable, hardworking, and brings a great sense of humor to everything he does. Friendly and motivated, he takes pride in doing quality work and making a positive impact wherever he […]
Meet Macy L.: A Bright Light Looking for Her Next Role
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re excited to introduce you to our client, Macy! Macy is a young woman of faith who believes that everyone is created equal and deserves the same opportunities. With her friendly, outgoing personality and wonderful sense of humor, she has a gift for bringing positivity wherever […]
Debunking the Myths about Hiring Adults with Disabilities: Part Two
Workplace inclusion is more than just a trend—it’s a competitive advantage. Yet, many business owners still hesitate to hire people with disabilities because of long-standing myths and misinformation. These misconceptions can prevent companies from accessing a talented, dedicated segment of the workforce. By separating fact from fiction, employers can create stronger teams, foster innovation, and […]
Meet Chance K.: A Stellar Employee in the Making
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we have the privilege of getting to know some incredible individuals who are eager to bring their talents into the workforce. One of those individuals is Chance: a young man who embodies positivity, reliability, and determination. He isn’t just looking for a job; he’s ready to become a valuable member of […]
Jacob’s Story: Building Confidence, One Class at a Time
Associated Program: Employment Services Jacob came to Columbia Ability Alliance with a clear goal: he wanted to work. But like many others, he found that most of the jobs he was interested in required a high school diploma. That barrier, paired with Jacob’s experience living with ASD and anxiety, made the path forward feel overwhelming. […]
Beyond Compliance: How Inclusion of Adults with Disabilities Strengthens Workplace Culture
In many workplaces, “inclusion” is treated like a checklist: ramps are built, policies are written, and captions are added to videos. While these steps are important for accessibility, true inclusion goes much deeper. It’s about creating a culture where adults with disabilities aren’t just present, but they are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. At […]
Elliott’s Story: From Struggle to Support
Associated Program: Employment Services When Elliott first connected with Columbia Ability Alliance, he was looking for more than a job, he was looking for hope. His journey hadn’t been easy. Born with glaucoma, Elliott faced vision loss from an early age. As a child and young adult, he endured bullying, social isolation, and a lack […]
Washington Food Stamps Income Limits: What You Need to Know
Everyone deserves access to nourishing food. If you’re facing rising grocery bills or a sudden change in income, you’re not alone—and support is available. Today, we will walk you through Washington’s Basic Food Program, its core requirements, and how you can apply. What is Washington’s Basic Food Program? The Basic Food Program, or the Supplemental […]