#United States #Los Angeles #Disability Inclusion #Making Space #GitLab Foundation

Making Space Launches the Ascend Program

On February 17, 2025, Making Space, supported by the GitLab Foundation, introduced its inaugural Making Space Ascend Program. This program is a groundbreaking 10-month initiative aimed at supporting 100 disabled professionals. It intends to provide individuals with access to competitive employment opportunities, addressing barriers that often prevent their success in the workforce.

The Ascend Program's applications are officially open, with the program set to commence on April 1, 2025. The initiative combines talent acquisition with a comprehensive learning platform tailored for disabled individuals, forging partnerships with industry-leading employers such as Microsoft, Salesforce, and Shutterstock. By doing so, the program not only equips participants with essential skills but also promotes inclusive hiring practices among these companies.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

Keely Cat-Wells, CEO of Making Space, emphasized the critical issue faced by disabled professionals: "Disabled professionals face systemic barriers to employment, while industries struggle to fill key roles requiring creativity and leadership." The Ascend Program bridges this gap, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between participants and employers aimed at instigating meaningful change in the workforce.

Unique Strengths of Disabled Professionals

Recognizing the unique strengths disabled professionals possess—such as adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills—is central to the program's philosophy. The challenges they have navigated offer invaluable insights and capabilities that can greatly benefit the workplace. The curriculum includes disabled-led educational content that assists participants in transforming their lived experiences into valuable, marketable skills. Moreover, employers participating in this initiative will receive training focused on best practices for integrating disability-inclusive hiring processes.

Program Highlights

1. Tailored Educational Content: Participants will have access to free, customized educational resources focusing on benefits navigation, among other relevant topics.
2. Employer Training: The program will provide training resources designed to help employers adopt inclusive hiring practices and create supportive environments for disabled professionals.
3. Connection to Employers: Employers will have the opportunity to recruit talent directly through the Making Space platform, ensuring candidates meet their specific needs.
4. Support for Participants: The Ascend Program is designed to enhance financial stability and lead participants towards meaningful employment.

Projected Impact

The Ascend Program aims to achieve several key objectives:

• - Support 100 disabled professionals in securing competitive and sustainable employment opportunities.
• - Foster increased disability inclusion and confidence within partner organizations.
• - Establish a scalable model that can be replicated in similar initiatives around the globe.

Individuals who are interested in applying to the Making Space Ascend Program can refer to the official website for further details or contact via email.

About Making Space

Making Space functions as a talent acquisition and learning platform that empowers companies to hire, support, and retain disabled professionals effectively. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise software, connecting employers with a pool of highly qualified, yet often overlooked, talent. It also equips companies with crucial educational resources to aid current and future disabled employees, including those who are neurodivergent or chronically ill. Making Space is committed to providing the necessary resources for disabled professionals to forge meaningful careers and become influential leaders in their fields.