Because myths and stereotypes about disability employment continue to create barriers to opportunities for qualified people with disabilities, the Campaign for Disability Employment launched “What can YOU do?” (WCYD) – an initiative to encourage everyone to elevate perceptions about what people with disabilities CAN do on the job and to emphasize the value and talent people with disabilities add to businesses and organizations. A key part of the WCYD initiative is the “I Can” public service announcement (PSA), a montage of seven people with disabilities – some apparent and some not – sharing what they CAN do on the job when given the opportunity. “I Can” reflects the diversity of skills people with disabilities offer, challenges common misconceptions about disability and employment and reminds everyone that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.

The CDE encourages everyone to share the “I Can” PSA and use it as a tool to start a conversation about the benefits of fostering a work environment that is flexible and open to the talents of all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. Workplace and Youth “I Can” PSA Discussion Guides are available to facilitate such a conversation. Several versions of the “I Can” PSA are available for download here. The CDE invites YOU to share the PSA with others, feature it on your organization’s website, use it in workplace training, at events, in schools, etc. DVDs are available by request by contacting info@whatcanyoudocampaign.org

* Nearly 50 million Americans have a disability. To learn about employment statistics and people with disabilities, click here.

What can YOU do? Video Contest.

The CDE’s "What can YOU do?" Video Contest is an opportunity for YOU to promote positive change by illustrating that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. This national video contest promotes the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces and economy, in support of the CDE’s national effort to increase the employment of people with disabilities. The deadline for entry for the 2012 contest is March 30, 2012. For complete contest details, visit the official "What can YOU do?" Video Contest page.

The first "What can YOU do?" Video Contest was held in July 2009. This national video competition, which attracted more than 130 videos promoting the talent and skills of people with disabilities, was held in celebration of the launch of the Campaign for Disability Employment. Best Buy partnered with the CDE by awarding a Best Buy gift card, which was awarded to the overall contest winner during an in-store award event. Two videos were awarded Honorable Mention.

Blake Watson, of Byram, MS, was recognized as the overall winner for his innovative video, "Meet Sue." "Meet Sue" reflects the spirit of the "What can YOU do?" initiative and showcases Blake’s talents and abilities. Blake’s inspiration for the video came from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s expression that people should be judged only by "the content of their character." Using only text and music, Blake introduces the viewer to "Sue" by sharing the many characteristics that make her who she is before revealing that she has a disability.

We encourage everyone to forward the following videos to as many people as possible and to share the important message that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.