National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) promotes this month by encouraging businesses and organizations across the country to learn about disability employment topics. The purpose is to confirm the DOL’s commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
To celebrate the many and varied contributions of Deep East Texas' workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace, Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas (WSDET) and Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC VR) hosted an event for local employers. The event was held on October 10 in Nacogdoches. Area employers of all sizes and in all industries were invited to take part. Forty community partners, employers and staff members were in attendance.
Nacogdoches Mayor Randy Johnson opened the meeting with the reading of the NDEAM proclamation which states, “We celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Brent McLemore, Director of the Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), also spoke about the newly launched program. PACE is designed to support the regional workforce of Deep East Texas and beyond in upskilling, reskilling, continuing education and professional development by creating greater access to SFA’s educational resources and opportunities for non-degree-seeking adult learners. PACE will also offer opportunities for enrichment to regional community members, alumni and others.
Patricia Morales, a Stephen F. Austin State University student who is currently working as an intern with Vocational Rehabilitation Services at Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas -Angelina County. She shared her personal story as a person living with a visual disability and described her successes and challenges as she entered the workforce.
Gordon Reynolds, Accounting Compliance Manager with Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP) was the keynote speaker, and he spoke about workplace inclusion and shared his personal success story. Can you add a sentence about his personal success story or what he overcame?
WSDET and TWC VR staff who presented valuable information were:
- Christina Ward, Business Relations Coordinator, TWC VR
- Keith McLeod, VR Supervisor, Lufkin Unit, TWC VR
- Mark Durand, Executive Director, WSDET
- Lisa Crawford, Student HireAbility Navigator, WSDET
- Michelle Kennedy, Director of Child Care Services, WSDET
- Laura Cole, Manager of Client Services, WSDET
- Brandy Colvin, Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator, TWC VR
When employers partner with WSDET and TWC VR to hire job seekers with disabilities, they have access to hiring and retention assistance including receiving qualified, pre-screened applicant referrals saving companies time and recruitment costs, customized training opportunities at job sites, no-cost access to experts on job accommodations and leading-edge technology, valuable information about tax credits and incentives, and the Fidelity Bonding Program.
In addition, TWC offers the WeHireAbility Program which recognizes Texas employers who are committed to hiring people with disabilities. This program awards employers for their efforts to create an inclusive workforce. These businesses are recognized when at least 10 percent of their workforce has a disability, and these individuals are integrated into the workplace at competitive wages.
Visit these pages for additional resources: Hiring People with Disabilities and HireAbility Navigator.
Thanks to the valuable sponsors including the City of Nacogdoches C.L. Simon Recreation Center for the use of their facility, audio visual equipment and staff support, as well as Chick-fil-A Nacogdoches, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Nacogdoches, and the TWC VR staff for their food contributions.
