Reaching Potential
How Clarissa’s Career Reflects the True Meaning of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and highlight the importance of inclusive employment practices. Meaningful employment empowers people with disabilities to be self-sufficient, build confidence, and fully participate in their communities.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Clarissa Carmouche, an employee at HDC’s Early Learning Center and graduate of the PAYCheck Program. Clarissa was recently promoted from Teacher Trainee to Teacher Assistant after earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.
Clarissa’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, perseverance, and support. Through HDC’s PAYCheck program, she gained job experience, learned professional and social skills, and discovered her strengths in the workplace. “Having a job means being independent and being able to take care of myself,” Clarissa shared in a video about her journey.
Earning her CDA credential marked a major milestone in Clarissa’s career and her personal growth.
“I really did it,” she said proudly. “I received my goal in what I wanted to do in my life.”
Today, as a Teacher Assistant, Clarissa continues to make a difference, supporting young children and modeling what inclusion and determination look like in action. Her success shows how access to education, training, and inclusive employment can open doors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while strengthening our communities as a whole.
As we celebrate NDEAM, we honor Clarissa and all individuals who show that employment is more than a paycheck. It’s about belonging, growth, and realizing your true potential.
From PAYCheck to Professional
Through her participation in HDC’s PAYCheck program, Clarissa gained the skills, experience, and confidence to pursue her goals and discover her full potential.
Postsecondary transition programs like PAYCheck empower young adults with disabilities to challenge themselves, explore career interests, and prepare for meaningful employment. Clarissa’s story shows how access to education and opportunity can lead to lasting success.
Watch Clarissa talk about her transition journey in this video featured at the 2024 TASH Conference.
About the PAYCheck Program
PAYCheck is a 3 semester program where students participate in courses at a postsecondary institution, engage in professional career development activities, learn community and work-related skills, and gain employment experience through two 10-week paid internships.
About the Early Learning Center
The Early Learning Center at HDC is committed to providing families with the highest quality childcare. They provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore and learn. Our teachers are highly qualified professionals who are trained to implement a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curriculum for infants and toddlers, including young children with disabilities and special health care needs. We welcome all children and families to our center.