October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the United States, a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and push for more inclusive workplaces. You can support it with everyday choices: hiring inclusively, buying from mission-driven businesses, sharing stories and giving to programs that train young adults for work.

At Ararat Box, every box is packed by young adults with special needs as part of a real workforce training project. Learn more about how Ararat Box supports young adults with special needs.

Why meaningful work matters

For many young adults with special needs, finishing school is followed by a hard gap: few programs, few employers ready to include them, and too much time at home. Real work changes that. It brings daily structure, new skills, confidence and a place in the community.

That is the idea behind Ararat Box and the Standing With Our Families Foundation workforce project. Young adults help prepare and pack every box with care. It is real work, for real customers, with real standards. Read more about Our Vision and the mission behind every box.

5 ways to support inclusive employment this October

1. Buy from businesses that hire inclusively. Every purchase keeps the work going. When you choose a gift box packed by a workforce program, the product and the impact arrive together. Explore the Ararat Box product page to find a gift that supports this mission.

2. Choose gifts made by artists with disabilities. Select Ararat Boxes include handmade items created by artists with special needs. Look for makers like these when shopping for holidays and birthdays.

3. Bring inclusion into your own workplace. Ask HR how your company recruits and supports employees with disabilities. Choosing mission-led vendors for corporate gifts is an easy first step.

4. Share the stories. Follow, like and share posts from inclusive businesses. Visibility helps change how employers see what young adults with special needs can do. Share the story of Ararat Box’s inclusive workforce mission to help spread the message.

5. Give directly. Donations to the Ararat Box mission support workforce opportunities for young adults and therapy and support services for children with special needs in Armenia. Visit the donation section on Ararat Box to learn how you can contribute.

What happens when you order a box

1.         You choose a one-time box, monthly subscription or yearly plan.

2.         We source snacks, pantry items and handmade goods from small businesses and makers in Armenia.

3.         Young adults in our workforce project prepare and pack your box.

4.         Part of our work supports donation projects for families and children with special needs in Armenia.

5.         You open something new, and know who packed it.

Explore the Ararat Box gift box and enjoy Armenian products while supporting inclusive employment. Want to learn more about the treats inside? Read our guide to Armenian snacks and traditional treats.

Frequently asked questions

• When is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

Every October in the United States.

• How does Ararat Box support people with special needs?

Young adults with special needs pack every box through the Standing With Our Families Foundation workforce project, and part of the work supports therapy and family services in Armenia. Learn more about Ararat Box’s vision and impact.

• Can I support the mission without buying a box?

Yes. You can contribute through the Ararat Box donation section.

• Are there gifts made by artists with special needs?

 Select boxes include handmade items by artists with special needs, and some are available in Box Favorites.

• Where is Ararat Box based?

Ararat Box is based at 1119 S Central Ave, Glendale, California.