MOUNT VERNON — New Hope Industries, Inc. will join the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place in October.
The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to bring attention to disability employment and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
The 2026 theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
Throughout the month, New Hope Industries will engage in a variety of activities to educate its stakeholders and community partners on disability employment and its commitment to an accessible and supportive work culture for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities.
These efforts include Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr reading the NDEAM Proclamation and recognizing local employers with a token of appreciation. New Hope Industries will also highlight individuals employed in the community and partner businesses.
“New Hope Industries, Inc. is proud to take part in this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Angela Sichel, employment services project manager.
“We are passionate about the importance of community employment. We advocate for our individuals with employers to highlight the talent, skills and abilities they bring to the workplace.
“The value individuals with disabilities bring to their employer is not just measured by a paycheck, but by the enriching relationships and experiences gained by both employee and employer. This month, and every month, we celebrate our individuals achieving their goals of working in the community and our community partner businesses that provide accommodating and supportive work environments.”
‘Employment is more than a paycheck’
NHI CEO Angie Wise said NHI believes everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and experience the pride that comes from meaningful work.
“Employment is more than a paycheck; it helps build confidence, independence and provides purpose and connection,” she said. “We are proud to support the individuals we serve as they discover their strengths, develop skills, and pursue their interests, all while creating meaningful opportunities.
“NHI focuses on abilities instead of limitations. This October we celebrate inclusion, opportunity, and all the wonderful ways persons with developmental disabilities make our communities and workplaces stronger.”
NDEAM traces its history to 1945, when it began as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities. NDEAM later expanded to a full month and evolved to include all people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, acknowledging the importance of increasing their access to jobs.
Employers and workers in any industry can visit dol.gov/NDEAM to learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October and promote its messages all year.