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…]

Gov. Bill Haslam

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Bill Haslam has officially proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Tennessee.

“People with disabilities in Tennessee share with the state’s other six million residents the desire to achieve personal success and economic self-sufficiency through meaningful work in the communities,” said Gov. Haslam in the proclamation. “Every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to learn, and the potential to make important contributions to their local communities.”

This proclamation comes after a year of steady job growth for people with disabilities. Last year, 7,191 people with disabilities gained job in Tennessee.

Activities throughout the month should reflect the message that people with and without disabilities share the same workplace goals and values. According to Gov. Haslam, these values and goals are “embracing systems change and achieving several milestones resulting in jobs in community settings at competitive wages.” [continue reading…]

Gov. Larry Hogan

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. Larry Hogan signed a proclamation officially making October Disability Employment Awareness Month in Maryland.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities,” said Gov. Hogan in the proclamation. “Through local and national campaigns we create greater awareness of the talents and skills individuals with disabilities bring to their employers.”

This proclamation follows a year of steady job growth in Maryland. Last year, 5,944 people with disabilities got new jobs.

Activities throughout the month should reflect the message that people with and without disabilities share the same workplace goals and values. According to Gov. Hogan, Maryland is “dedicated to the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act, particularly as it relates to the rights and freedom for people with disabilities to work and advance their chosen careers and lead independent and full lives in their communities.” [continue reading…]

Gov. David Ige

Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 – Gov. David Ige has proclaimed October 2018 to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in Hawai’i.

“People with disabilities are productive and loyal, and deserve the same opportunity to earn an income and achieve independence like anyone else,” writes Gov. Ige in the proclamation. “The State of Hawai’i has a vested interest in increasing the inclusion of people living with a disability by providing access, meaningful services, and improved outcomes for all citizens at the state, county, local, and private sector levels.”

This commitment from the governor comes at a time when jobs for people with disabilities have been increasing in the state of Hawai’i. Last year, 750 Hawaiians with disabilities gained jobs.

Activities throughout the month should reflect the message that people with and without disabilities share the same workplace goals and values. On Oct. 30, the state legislature will be cosponsoring a reverse employment fair that sets people up for entry level jobs while celebrating success stories. [continue reading…]