News

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…]

Gov. Phil Bryant

Washington D.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Phil Bryant proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Mississippi.

According to Gov. Bryant, “workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy.”

Activities throughout the month are to reinforce the message that people with disabilities are equally up to the task of employment. To do this, the governor “calls upon employers, schools, and other community organizations to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities that advance its important message.”

This proclamation follows a great year of job growth among people with disabilities living in the Magnolia State. 4,739 people with disabilities entered Mississippi’s workforce last year. [continue reading…]

Gov. John Bel Edwards

Baton Rouge, Oct.4 – Gov. John Bel Edwards has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Louisiana. In a signed proclamation, the Governor wrote, “When we diversify our workforce, we create opportunities for growth and improvement – not just for those with disabilities, but for everyone.”

Edwards also proclaimed, “Workplaces who welcome of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy.” [continue reading…]

Gov. Bruce Rauner

Washington D.C., Oct. 4 – Gov. Bruce Rauner has declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Illinois.

“This year’s theme America’s Workforce: Empowering All is accordant with the State of Illinois’ dedication to improving the lives of all Illinoisans by employing skilled individuals of all ability levels,” Rauner states.

Throughout this month, Rauner’s objective is to encourage people with disabilities to accomplish their goals of employment with perseverance. Additionally, 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.

“Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy,” Rauner adds.

This proclamation follows a great year of job growth among people with disabilities living in the Prairie State. 9,550 people with disabilities entered Illinois’ workforce last year. [continue reading…]