October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff, employer community partners and their employees.

First, thank you to our Career Services team and employment mentors. We believe anyone who wants to work can have a competitive job in their community and our team members are working hard every day to support people to make this happen for themselves.

Congratulations and thank you to our employer partners and other area businesses who have championed an inclusive workplace and benefit from the contributions of people from all different backgrounds and abilities.

And thank you to the employees across our community who are bringing their skills and their heart and soul to their jobs. Their contributions and commitment to their work make our community a better place for all of us.

A lot has happened in a year. The public health crisis has impacted so many employers and employees in our area and the people we support in their jobs are no exception. Many people will have to rebuild their path to employment in a workforce landscape that looks entirely different from eight months ago.

I think we can all agree a job is one of the most powerful ways to connect and contribute in our  community. I am optimistic that with the support of our staff, community partners and people dedicated to achieving their personal career goals, we will gain the momentum of a year ago and continue to close the employment gap for people with disabilities.

Please join us as we continue to celebrate the accomplishments of all people with disabilities whose work is making a difference in their lives, their community and our society as a whole.

Sincerely,

Karen Adams-Gilchrist

President and CEO