Leadership Message: Celebrating value and talent

Dear Colleagues,

This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the vital role that workers with disabilities have played – and continue to play – in shaping our communities and workplaces.

NDEAM celebrates individuals with disabilities, as well as recognizes the caregivers who play essential roles. Whether providing physical help, emotional support, or simply being present during hard times, caregivers lift up their loved ones and help them move forward.

Receiving an unexpected diagnosis or stepping into a caregiving role can feel overwhelming. In those moments, it’s easy to question your value or doubt the talents you still have to offer. Thoughts like, “what will happen next?” or “will I even be able to work?” are natural and valid.

When I (Lisa) was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over 20 years ago, I was in denial for a long time. Eventually, I had to accept that I could no longer teach middle school math and find value and talent in another career. Joining the DiversABILITY Employee Resource Group (ERG) at UC Davis Health was a turning point – it helped me embrace my disability and feel comfortable asking for and accepting support. I didn’t even know NDEAM existed until I joined DiversABILITY! I also discovered how many allies I had around me.

Allies – medical professionals, friends, coworkers, and community members – make a powerful difference. Their encouragement, assistance, and small acts of kindness help individuals with disabilities and caregivers navigate life’s challenges.

As a UC Davis Health employee, I (Amalia) have been blessed with support from my director, managers, colleagues, and the UC Davis Health community. As a mother of a 21-year-old non-verbal daughter with developmental disabilities who needs 24-hour care, working full-time is not easy.

I often wonder, “how do I give my daughter the best life possible?” and “are others judging her for being non-verbal or making unexpected sounds?” Thanks to my UC Davis Health family and DiversABILITY, I’ve found the strength to keep advocating – for my daughter, for individuals with disabilities, and for allies. The support, shared resources, and encouragement I’ve received continue to give me a strong sense of belonging.

Finally, we recognize organizations like UC Davis Health for fostering a culture of inclusion and kindness. As we move forward together, let’s continue celebrating the values and talents of people with disabilities (both visible and invisible), caregivers, and allies, while upholding our shared values of kindness, trust, and inclusion.

Yours in health,

Lisa De Bartolo, Treasurer, DiversABILITY ERG
Amalia Castaneda, Vice Chair, DiversABILITY ERG

Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate, or be educated in the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.