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…]

Gov. Greg Abbott

Washington D.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Greg Abbott has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.

“The often used slogan for the Lone Star State’s approach to commerce is that ‘Texas is wide open for business,’” Abbott announced. “This openness and dedication to inclusivity has been a major part of the foundation for our strong economy. Thus, it is crucial for this diversity to extend beyond our business climate to the hardworking men and women who make up the indomitable Texas workforce.”

Abbott celebrates people with disabilities by acknowledging them as equals to people without disabilities. He invites employers and the public to think the same through the education October will bring.

Abbott also proclaims, “As we work toward these goals, our economy will be made ever stronger by the diversity and full participation of workers with disabilities.”

This proclamation follows a great year of job growth among people with disabilities living in the Lone Star State. 7,736 people with disabilities entered Texas’ workforce last year. [continue reading…]

Gov. Dennis Daugaard

Pierre, S.D. Oct. 4 – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in South Dakota.

“The purpose of the month is to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and educate the public about disability employment issues,” he stated.

Through various activities in the public, recognition for people with disabilities will spread across the state. Employers will attend these events and learn about working with people with disabilities. They will be encouraged to become more open to hiring employees with disabilities. Likewise, people with disabilities will be more empowered in the work field.

“Hiring individuals with disabilities strengthens businesses, increases competition, and drives innovation,” Daugaard added.

His statement rings true across the country. [continue reading…]

Gov. Henry McMaster

Charleston, S.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Henry McMaster has declared October to be Disability Employment Awareness Month in South Carolina. “South Carolinians with disabilities have the same aspirations to competitively work and contribute to their communities as anyone else,” McMaster stated.

The proclamation also notes, “all people are need to reduce attitudinal and physical barriers that hinder the full acceptance of people with disabilities and their rightful place in employment.”

In closing his statement, Gov. McMaster commits to “encourage all South Carolinians to work together to advance the message that people with disabilities are equal to the task.”

This proclamation follows a great year of job growth among people with disabilities living in the Palmetto State. Last year, 23,416 South Carolinians with disabilities entered the state’s workforce. [continue reading…]