Education Department Recognizes 55 Employers of Individuals With Disabilities

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) throughout October, the State Education Department is honoring 55 businesses across the state that do an outstanding job of employing individuals with disabilities, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. This year’s theme, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement, especially during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual events will be held throughout the month to recognize the employers.

“This annual celebration raises awareness about supporting the employment of people with disabilities and allows us to honor businesses that value diversity among its workforce,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “The businesses that we recognize this month work to help eliminate employment opportunity gaps for individuals with disabilities by prioritizing diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices and we commend them for their work.”

“New Yorkers of all abilities should be provided with equitable career and employment opportunities,” Commissioner Rosa said. “We value inclusion and are proud to share these values with the businesses we will honor this month. The Board of Regents and State Education Department are grateful for the important work of our ACCES-VR team and partners to ensure individuals with disabilities have support in finding employment opportunities.”

“The State ACCES-VR office is once again proud to support NDEAM. The businesses being honored this month set a high standard for hiring individuals with disabilities,” Deputy Commissioner Ceylane Meyers-Ruff said. “These businesses prove that when given the opportunity, persons with disabilities make excellent employees. We are excited about our partnership with businesses and employers who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

2021 NDEAM Celebrations

The Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), will hold virtual events to safely celebrate and honor businesses and workers that reflect the ideals of ACCES-VR’s mission to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation and career development.

The celebrations will highlight local businesses that provide employment opportunities that enable workers with disabilities to contribute to their communities, earn a living wage and have meaningful careers. In addition, the Department will recognize ten statewide winners. The NDEAM 2021 statewide and regional winners are listed below.

ACCES-VR

Through the Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) program, the Department assists individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment so they can live independently. ACCES-VR offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of supports—from counseling and guidance, assessment, job placement and job coaching, to tuition assistance, and equipment and inventory to start a business for those who are self-employed—to help them make a career and earn a living. These individuals work with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors who connect them with the right programs and people so they can reach their employment goals. In 2020, more than 80,000 individuals received ACCES-VR services. There are 15 ACCES-VR offices and 10 satellites statewide.

ACCES-VR works closely with the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) and the New York State Commission for the Blind to help individuals with disabilities find jobs and to identify employers that hire these individuals. The Commission for the Blind provides vocational rehabilitation for people who are blind and nominates businesses to be recognized this month. Additionally, DOL vets all businesses nominated as part of NDEAM.

To find out more about ACCES-VR services, please visit our ACCES-VR website or call 1-800-222-JOBS (5627).