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Gov. Bill Walker

Washington, D.C., Oct. 18 – Gov. Bill Walker proclaimed October 1-7, 2018 to be Alaska Employ People with Disabilities Week.

“During the first week of October, the State of Alaska celebrates and recognizes the talents of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and promotes raising awareness about disability employment opportunities as well as challenges,” writes Walker in the proclamation. “Competitive and integrated employment provides individuals with a sense of pride, financial security, stable living conditions, access to better health management, and increased independence.”

This commitment from the governor comes at a time when jobs for people with disabilities have been increasing in the state of Alaska. Last year, 4,139 Alaskans with disabilities gained jobs.

Activities throughout the week should reflect the message that people with and without disabilities share the same workplace goals and values. Walker encourages Alaskans to celebrate workers with disabilities with appropriate programs and activities throughout the week that encourage employers to hire people with disabilities. [continue reading…]

Gov. Mark Dayton

Washington, D.C., Oct. 15 – Gov. Mark Dayton has declared October 2018 Disability Employment Awareness Month in Minnesota.

“Individuals with disabilities are proving themselves as valuable and productive contributors and taxpayers in the workforce,” writes Dayton in his proclamation. “To benefit Minnesota’s economy and its competitiveness in the global marketplace, the State of Minnesota must value the contributions of all people, including those with disabilities.”

This proclamation comes after a year of steady job growth for people with disabilities. Last year, 3,823 Minnesotans with disabilities got new jobs. [continue reading…]

Gov. Doug Ducey

Washington, D.C., Oct. 15 – Gov. Doug Ducey has declared October 2018 Disability Employment Awareness Month in Arizona.

“Arizona workplaces welcoming of the talents of all residents including individuals with disabilities, are part of a critical parts of our efforts to encourage a diverse community and rigorous economy,” writes Gov. Ducey. “Arizona prospers when an integrated workforce includes people with and without disabilities working side by side earning competitive wages and benefits. Businesses and organizations that hire, retain, and promote people with disabilities continue to discover that a strong workforce is an inclusive workforce. The perspective and creativity of people with disabilities benefit employers who acknowledge each person’s unique strengths and talents.”

This proclamation follows an outstanding year of job growth which saw 7,266 Arizonans with disabilities get new jobs. [continue reading…]

Gov. Matt Mead

Washington, D.C. Oct. 12 – Gov. Matt Mead has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wyoming.

Writing that “Wyoming’s citizens are proud of their independence and freedom,” Mead reiterated his ongoing effort to ensure that “people with disabilities can and should have opportunities to work in their communities and be paid competitive wages.”

In the proclamation, Mead reflected on his state’s efforts since 2014 when Wyoming became an Employment First State. In terms of jobs for people with disabilities, the Cowboy State consistently has outperformed other, bigger states like California and Texas. [continue reading…]

Gov. Jay Inslee

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Jay Inslee has declared October 2018 to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in Washington State.

“Workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy,” he said in a statement.

This proclamation follows a year of solid job growth that saw 15,871 people with disabilities getting new jobs in Washington State’s workforce last year. [continue reading…]

Gov. Susana Martinez

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Susana Martinez has proclaimed October 2018 to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in New Mexico.

“New Mexicans with disabilities are valued members of society and all members of society deserve the opportunity to work,” Martinez wrote. People with disabilities “can add value to the workplace, both because they are dedicated, loyal, and productive” employees and because they can “contribute to new product and service innovations that improve a company’s bottom line.”

“All citizens, regardless of disability, have the right to pursue the full range of available employment opportunities to earn a living wage in a job of their choosing,” Martinez added.

This proclamation follows a reasonable year of job growth which saw nearly 1,000 New Mexicans with disabilities gain new jobs. [continue reading…]

Gov. Rick Snyder

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Rick Snyder has declared October to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in Michigan.

“People with developmental disabilities in Michigan share with the state’s other residents the right to work in competitive, integrative work environments with the necessary support,” writes Snyder. “Every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to learn and make important contributions to their local communities.”

Snyder adds, “It is important to promote opportunities for all people with disabilities in Michigan so they may gain individual integrated employment.”

This proclamation follows a record year of job growth among Michiganders with disabilities. Last year, more than 19,000 job seekers with disabilities entered Michigan’s workforce. [continue reading…]

Gov. Kay Ivey

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Kay Ivey has officially proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Alabama.

“Alabamians with disabilities continue to make significant contributions to the economy of this state,” said Ivey in the proclamation. She also noted that people with disabilities “have performed successfully at every level of business and government, demonstrating their ability to play an integral role in our society.”

“The support and cooperation of all people are needed to reduce the attitudinal and physical barriers that hinder full acceptance of people with disabilities and their rightful place in employment,” Ivey added.

This proclamation follows a challenging economic year that saw 5,531 Alabamians with disabilities lose their jobs this past year. [continue reading…]

Gov. Brian Sandoval

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Brian Sandoval has proclaimed October 2018 to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in Nevada.

“Those with disabilities are entitled to full inclusion in our communities,” writes Sandoval in his proclamation. “All persons, regardless of their conditions or abilities, should have equal access and equal opportunity in the workplace.”

This proclamation affirms the legacy of Sandoval’s past efforts on jobs for Nevadans with disabilities. Throughout his time in office, he has worked with major employers such as Starbucks on innovative employment strategies to empower job seekers with disabilities. [continue reading…]