GOODWILL® RECOGNIZES VITAL FUNCTION OF WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Grateful for the important role performed by workers with disabilities, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries commemorates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. This year’s theme for NDEAM, administered by the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, is “#InclusionWorks,” which underscores the important role played by workers with disabilities in enhancing workplace diversity.
“Throughout its history, Goodwill and its independent member organizations have sought to meet the needs of all job seekers,” said Vice President of Program Services Kathy Spencer. “To this day, we offer programs for youth, seniors, veterans and those with disabilities to reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work.”
National Disability Employment Awareness Month’s origins date back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The name was changed in 1962 by omitting the word “physically” to acknowledge workers with all types of disabilities. The period of recognition was extended to the full month of October in 1988.
“By fostering a culture that embraces individual differences, including disabilities, businesses profit by having a wider variety of tools to confront challenges,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. “Our nation’s most successful companies proudly make inclusion a core value. They know that inclusion works.”
For 50 years, Gulfstream Goodwill has worked to support job seekers with disabilities and specialized circumstances through training, placement and employment efforts.
Gulfstream Goodwill recently recognized 19 employers throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties for their outstanding commitment, dedication and continued efforts in hiring individuals with disabilities.
Radio controlled car enthusiast, Michael, began working at Okeechobee’s Big Lake Hobbies in February of this year. He is employed through Gulfstream Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program as a retail support worker.
The Big Lake Hobbies team is pleased with Michael’s performance. “Our store is expanding its inventory and increased responsibility for Michael will accompany the expansion,” said Kathie Papasso, Big Lake Hobbies owner. Michael is excited about the opportunities ahead.
“Goodwill believes that by assisting all workers to achieve their full potential, we are able to build stronger communities,” said President and CEO Marvin Tanck. “Once again this year, we are thrilled to celebrate the wonderful achievements of Goodwill program participants, and all employees with disabilities, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”
For more information about how your donations help us support employees with disabilities in obtaining meaningful employment, visit our website at gulfstreamgoodwill.org.
About Gulfstream Goodwill Industries:
For 50 years, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has been a leading non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of our community. We provide more than two dozen health, human and social service programs for individuals in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. For more information, visit gulfstreamgoodwill.org.