Empowering Others to Enter the Remote Workforce: Q & A with ENDisabilty Founder Nayeem Amin

Nayeem Amin is working hard to ensure that all individuals living with disabilities know their worth – and their capabilities. The 43-year-old job recruiter and entrepreneur has gained skills and insight on his journey in the professional world while living with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Nayeem’s mother, sister, and uncle also live with LGMD. He was raised to believe that all people are capable and deserving of chasing their dreams and that we all have gifts and skills to share with the world. He has applied that mindset to his own life and career. Now, he is building an organization that can offer support to other individuals living with disabilities and neurodivergence to gain the skill sets and confidence to join the workforce.

Nayeem Amin, Founder of ENDisabilty

With a focus on providing IT certification training and job preparedness, ENDisability is empowering adults with disabilities to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities for remote work. ENDisability aims to support individuals to hone their skill sets and join the workforce to share their talents with the world. The organization, which has partnered with the state of Texas, also provides support for resume writing, interview skills, and job seeking tools. Nayeem is passionate about increasing an inclusive culture in the workforce and empowering others to create and achieve goals with a life-long learning mindset.

We checked in with Nayeem to learn more about ENDisability and the importance of an inclusive employment culture.

Can you tell me a little bit about your organization ENDisability?

ENDisability empowers individuals with disabilities to learn new skills and advance their careers. We specifically try to assist college students living with disabilities and adults with disabilities who are employed and seeking job skills training, although we are always open to ANYONE looking to learn! We currently provide certification training in Scrum, Salesforce, and Kanban for those who are looking to get started or get ahead in the IT domain.

What inspired you to start this organization?

Equality of opportunity in the workplace has always been our #1 mission. Even with our parent company, Decca Recruiting – where we help recruit the best talent for our partners- we are always focused on the talent of the candidate and not necessarily their circumstances. ENDisability is meant to help bring individuals with disabilities to the forefront and upskill them to join their peers in the workforce while enjoying a salary that can provide a better quality of life. However, anyone may take our courses to enrich their own lifelong learning journey.

How did you choose the name?

We had many names, but the word “End” struck me because I really wish I could end the challenges that come with living with a disability, especially in the employment sphere.

I understand that you offer training programs that provide certification on three different tech platforms. What made you decide to focus on those three?

These are three platforms that I know and understand very well. My expertise in these programs allows me to ensure that the trainers we have onboard are the best in the industry with extensive training experience. One may know technology, but to be able to teach requires a special skill.  I hired people I know were capable of teaching these specific platforms.

Who has your organization partnered with? And how are those partnerships creating opportunities for people living with disabilities?

We partner with many large organizations and government groups! We partner with the people who make it a priority to include diverse talent in their workforce. We are certified by the DOBE, SBA, and NMSC and are committed to finding the best talent, regardless of physical ability.

Why is empowering others living with a disability to join to the workforce an important mission to you?

What is stopping someone whose mind is capable of achieving the same as those living without disabilities? Nothing. And I want others to realize that. With so many advancements in technology, there is a variety of hardware and software available that help people with limited mobility perform their tasks.  And COVID created an environment where a lot of companies now let people work from home. Now is the time to get out and accept the challenge to join the rest of the world and shine.

With more and more companies providing remote work opportunities, how has the job landscape changed for people living with disabilities?

I have had challenges with our customers who didn’t allow remote work for anyone – until COVID hit. Now, one can work from home for most companies, so there’s no need to get up and drive to work. The issues with using the restroom, eating, and whatnot become eliminated. Now a person with a disability can work from the comfort of their own home – or even their own bed if needed. Remote allows that. More jobs are remote now. It is a game changer.

As someone living with a disability, what has your personal journey been like and what tools have you gained on your own journey in the workforce?

Nayeem with his wife and children.

My personal journey has been a series of transitions from denial to anger to acceptance and equanimity. When I first started my company, I could walk, travel, and do many things that I cannot do today. From walking to manual wheelchair to automatic wheelchair to weakness in my extremities, the transition has been both challenging and interesting. It has brought me close to myself, I learned to accept the challenges, and keep fighting. When I saw some light, I decided to spread this news and bring more people onboard to join the fight. I have traveled the world with my family, I have raced cars, volunteered, and I am still living the best life thanks to acceptance. Thanks to my company that gives me the financial strength to live a great life and provide for my family.  All we have to do is get up and go give it a try. There is no failing, not until we give up.

What key advice would you give to others about the interview process?

Be yourself, be honest, and always show eagerness to learn. If you don’t know something, don’t pretend you do. And always ask good questions. Most importantly, LISTEN.

What key advice would you give to others about writing a resume?

Don’t fill it up with tons of information, keep it at 2 pages, have an objective. Don’t use one resume for every job. Take the time to build the narrative around the job description. Focus on quality, not quantity.

What would you share with someone who has never had a job before and might be feeling a little overwhelmed about joining the workforce?

I will walk you through, there is more respect in trying than not. Don’t worry, we have all been there. Even the most able actors get nervous before an audition. Be brave, keep your chin up. We need you to make a difference. Feel free to reach out to us as soon as you’re ready.

What would you say to someone who might be afraid to accept a job and potentially lose their caregiver benefits?

There are tons of programs with SSI and Workforce Commission that can show you how to navigate through these questions. There are ways to receive both. Work with resources that are available to help you.

What do you want others to know about the value of sharing their skill sets and becoming active members of the workforce?

Our fingerprints don’t match. Everyone is unique. Have you fulfilled your purpose? Do you know why you are here? You are here to make a difference. To yourself, to others. You are here to chase your own dreams. YOU MATTER. You can come out and join the workforce and be a part of it. So, give it a try. It can be tough and challenging, but overall, it is amazing to be doing something that you love and value.