MOUNT VERNON – New Hope Industries announced it is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
NDEAM is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.
The purpose is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945. Initially, it was a week long and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month. Its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all natures of disabilities.
“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year’s theme, New Hope Industries will engage in a variety of activities throughout the month to educate its stakeholders on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. These efforts include Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr reading the NDEAM Proclamation at New Hope’s office at the start of the month. The organization will also recognize local employers with a token of appreciation and highlight individuals employed in the community through social media and print materials.
“Advancing Access and Equity”
“New Hope Industries is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Angela Sichel, community employment services manager. “We focus on individuals’ abilities, skills, and talents, matching them with integrated community employment opportunities that are a good fit for both them and the employer.
“This month and every month we celebrate all our individuals employed in the community as well as the employers who see beyond their disabilities and champion the abilities they bring to the workforce.”
“In my 18 years working in this field, I have witnessed how our communities understand inclusion and embrace the importance of an accessible and diverse workforce,” New Hope Industries CEO Angie Wise said. “I thank employers for their commitment to invest in and support individuals with disabilities, and I thank all persons served for their continued dedication and hard work. They are inspiring and prove that inclusion works.”
New Hope Industries employment services include job development, coaching, retention, and career planning. The organization works with community partners to train and hire employees. New Hope Industries provides training in community settings. It also helps job seekers find employment that matches their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting dol.gov/NDEAM.
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