36 Governors and President Trump Make New Commitments on Jobs for People with Disabilities, Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Washington D.C., Oct. 25 – October marks the 72^nd celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year, people with disabilities and employers have clear reason to celebrate. More than 343,000 Americans with disabilities got new jobs last year, a fourfold improvement in job gains compared to the previous year.

To mark this celebration, President Donald J. Trump issued a statement affirming his Administration’s “support for all the employers who hire Americans with disabilities, providing opportunities for success. It is important that all our Nation’s job seekers and creators are both empowered and motivated to partake in our booming economy, and apply their unique talents and skills to the growing workforce.”

He added, “We recognize the achievements of Americans with disabilities whose contributions in the workforce help ensure the strength of our Nation. We also renew our commitment to creating an environment of opportunity for all Americans and educating people about disability employment issues.”

Expanding employment opportunities is nonpartisan, as both Democrats and Republicans are quick to recognize the abilities of what people with disabilities can accomplish. This year, 36 Governors have shown their support through public proclamations, executive orders and press statements. These include:

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Andy Imparato with RespectAbility Staff and Fellows

Rockville, Maryland, Oct. 9 – Andy Imparato, Executive Director of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, spoke to RespectAbility Fellows about disability policy and his own experience with Bipolar Disorder.

When asked by a Fellow about making an impact in a politically active, bustling city like Washington, D.C., Imparato replied, “Every individual has the capacity to make a difference.”

To do so, he spoke about three major themes to changing the scope of disability policy and advocacy: updating federal legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring workers know their rights under law, and breaking the stigma by being open with disabilities in the workplace. All of these steps, he argued, are crucial to changing the way we think, debate and formulate disability policy. [continue reading…]

Gov. Steve Bullock

Washington, D.C., Oct. 8 – Gov. Steve Bullock has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Montana.

“This coming month is an opportunity to celebrate the strong work ethic and talents that employees with disabilities bring to our communities, our economy, and our nation,” writes Bullock in the proclamation. “Welcoming the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, is a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and stronger economy.”

This proclamation follows a solid year of job growth among Montanans with disabilities. Last year, 4,459 Montanans 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. Bullock, these values and goals are “to achieve personal success through education, meaningful work, and connections with our families and communities.” [continue reading…]

Gov. Jeff Colyer

Washington D.C., Oct. 8 – Gov. Jeff Colyer has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Kansas.

“Every person has value and giving individuals with disabilities opportunities for meaningful employmentempowers them toward self-sufficiency and a greater sense of personal growth,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer. “I am pleased to see that our state continues to improve its ranking in this very important area, and I hope to continue to see more and more employers finding ways to create employment opportunities for Kansans with disabilities.”

This proclamation comes after a year of job growth among people with disabilities in Kansas and nationwide. Last year, under Gov. Colyer, 5,130 Kansans with disabilities got new jobs. [continue reading…]

Vivian Bass with RespectAbility Staff and Fellows

Rockville, Maryland, Oct. 8 – After a successful career of more than 40 years as a nonprofit CEO, Vivian Bass, currently a board member of RespectAbility, visited the Fellows of RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program.  She shared her knowledge about nonprofit boards and gave advice on how to build better relationships between staff and board members.

As the former CEO of the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, she has contributed greatly to the disability community, so it was only natural that she was one of our speakers. As young professionals, we still are navigating the workforce, struggling with networking and negotiating workplace conflicts. According to Bass, there are five characteristics that strengthen the bond between staff and board members in a nonprofit: mutual respect, no surprises, transparency, accountability and partnership. [continue reading…]

Gov. Scott Walker

Washington D.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Scott Walker has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

“The engagement of Wisconsin businesses is key to a workforce system that encourages the full participation of all individuals who want to work,” Walker stated.

Throughout this month, Walker’s mission is to encourage people with disabilities to accomplish their goals of employment with perseverance. Employers are invited to consider their options when they hire people with disabilities and use their creativity to come up with solutions about accommodations and jobs.

“Job seekers with disabilities offer tremendous skills, abilities, and other qualities that benefit any employer,” Walker adds.

This proclamation reflects Wisconsin’s continuing effort to empower Badger State residents with disabilities. Wisconsin consistently has outperformed bigger states like Texas and California. [continue reading…]

Gov. Michael Parson

Washington D.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Michael Parson has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Missouri.

“Workplaces welcoming of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of the efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy,” Parson wrote. Gov. Parson is dedicating October “to educate” employers and the public on “disability employment issues” and to “celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.”

While only 669 Missourians with disabilities got new jobs last year, Gov. Parson is committing his state to improving outcomes in the future. [continue reading…]

Gov. Jim Justice

Washington D.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Jim Justice has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in West Virginia.

“We commend all persons are committed to and work towards enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” Justice stated.

The proclamation goes on to discuss key state efforts to support and empower West Virginians with disabilities. Highlights include the “over $46 million in payroll” earned by people with disabilities through the state’s Community Rehab Programs and the advocacy efforts of the “West Virginia Association for Disability Employment.”

This proclamation follows a solid year of job growth among people with disabilities living in the Mountain State. 5,855 people with disabilities entered West Virginia’s workforce last year. [continue reading…]

Gov. Ralph Northam

Richmond, Virginia, Oct 4 – Gov. Ralph Northam has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Virginia. Northam proudly wrote, “Virginians with disabilities, including veterans, have the ability and desire to seek employment and to develop the skills they need to join Virginia’s economy.”

Northam went on to add, “Employers can enhance their businesses and workplaces by creating career opportunities and hiring qualified individuals with disabilities.”

This proclamation follows an outstanding year of job growth among people with disabilities living in the Old Dominion. 14,479 people with disabilities entered Virginia’s workforce last year. [continue reading…]