October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Every year, we recognize and celebrate the value and talent that workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces across the country. The theme for 2024 is, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” which reminds us that access to gainful employment is a right and not a privilege.
Approximately 61 million people in the United States have a disability. Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost five times more than adults without disabilities. Disability inclusion is about creating a workplace that ensures that everyone has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires.
At Horizon, we have had the opportunity to create strong partnerships with local organizations – Visually Impaired Advancement (VIA) and Deaf Access Services (DAS) – to remain active in our mission to create a more inclusive workplace. We stay committed to enhancing our disability inclusion initiatives and reducing stigma and disparities in the workforce.
Take action to celebrate NDEAM this month and all year long:
- Learn about the value of people with disabilities in the workforce.
- Share your disability employment story and help someone share theirs.
- Educate yourself on your company’s disability hiring practices.
- Donate or volunteer with organizations that actively promote workforce inclusion for people with disabilities.
Here are some local resources for you or a loved one to get more support:
- APIC
- Aspire of WNY
- The Arc Erie County New York
- Community Services for Every1
- Genesee County Services
- Niagara County Office for the Aging
- People Inc.
- SASi
Learn more about Horizon’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.