MOUNT VERNON – New Hope Industries announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.
October 2021 marks the 76th anniversary of National Disability Awareness Month. The purpose is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion."
The month's history traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, New Hope Industries will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts included a proclamation signing by Mount Vernon City Mayor Matthew Starr, which took place at New Hope Industries on Oct. 12.
"New Hope Industries is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Jenn Flynn, New Hope Industries community employment services manager. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."
New Hope Industries employment services include job development, job coaching, retention and career planning. New Hope Industries works together with community partners to train and hire employees. New Hope Industries provides employment training in community settings and helps job seekers find employment which matches their knowledge, skills and abilities.
“New Hope Industries empowers individuals to reach their full potential by providing meaningful supports and services,” said New Hope Industries CEO Angie Wise. “People with disabilities are valuable to our workforce and our communities. Everyone deserves a job, a job where each person can contribute his or her own unique personalities and abilities to the community.”
