Celebrating Every Ability: Supporting People with Disabilities in the Workplace
By Ivy Bagley, FNP, PMHNP, Blessed and Healthy Families
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities and to recognize the importance of creating truly inclusive workplaces. As a Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of working with people whose unique strengths, resilience, and perspectives remind me that ability is not defined by limitation—it’s defined by determination, creativity, and courage.
Seeing Beyond Labels
When we think of disability, we often picture physical challenges. But disabilities can be visible or invisible—ranging from mobility and sensory differences to mental health conditions, learning differences, or chronic illnesses. Each person brings a distinct story and set of strengths.
In healthcare and beyond, I’ve seen how people with disabilities consistently adapt, innovate, and inspire. Yet, too often, they face barriers—unseen biases, inaccessible environments, or assumptions about what they can or cannot do. True inclusion begins when we choose to see ability first, not limitation.
Creating Workplaces of Compassion and Access
Supporting people with disabilities in the workplace means more than compliance—it means cultivating belonging. Small, intentional changes can make a world of difference:
Flexibility: Allowing modified schedules or remote work when possible.
Accessibility: Ensuring that workspaces and technologies are inclusive and easy to navigate.
Understanding: Creating a culture where employees feel safe to share their needs without fear of judgment.
Education: Encouraging disability awareness training for all staff to break down stigma and foster empathy.
As healthcare providers, leaders, and colleagues, we have a responsibility to build environments where everyone can contribute their gifts fully.
Mental Health and Invisible Disabilities
Invisible disabilities—like anxiety, ADHD, depression, or chronic pain—often go unnoticed but can impact daily functioning in profound ways. Acknowledging and supporting these challenges can improve both well-being and productivity.
As a PMHNP, I encourage employers to foster open conversations around mental health, offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and make mental wellness part of the workplace culture—not an afterthought.
Faith and Inclusion
At Blessed and Healthy Families, we believe that every person is created in God’s image—with purpose, value, and gifts to share. Inclusion is not just good policy—it’s a reflection of love in action.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4
When we honor the strengths in one another, we build stronger teams, healthier communities, and workplaces that reflect the heart of compassion and grace.
A Final Word
This October, and every month, let’s celebrate the diversity of ability. Let’s listen, learn, and lead with empathy. Every person deserves the dignity of meaningful work, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive.
At Blessed and Healthy Families, we are committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and physical health of all individuals—because when we make room for everyone at the table, we create a workplace, and a world, that is truly whole.