National Disability Month

In 1988, Congress designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to increase public awareness about the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Easter Seals Southern California Disability Services would like to remind local employers, businesses and citizens that there are many myths that hinder people with disabilities from joining the workforce. Expanding employment opportunities for all citizens will drive our economy and nation into the future."There are so many false perceptions that interfere with people with disabilities to have equality in employment," says Mark Whitley, President and CEO of Easter Seals Southern California. "People with disabilities are no different than any other employee. And it's been proven time and time again by various national studies from DuPont and the President's Committee's Job Accommodation Network. They come to work on time, have a strong and consistent work ethic, are not an employment risk and aren't more likely to have accidents on-the-job. And, it's not expensive to accommodate people with disabilities." Easter Seals provides comprehensive Employment Services that assist people with disabilities to attain and keep paid jobs. Associates work with disabled individuals to find employment that best suits their needs and abilities. Job coaches work one-on-one with these individuals to help them learn the skills they need to be successful in their position. A fully-inclusive workforce is not only good for the individual, but for business too. "Diversity in the workforce is good business - diversity is good for everyone," adds Whitley. Millions of Americans live with a disability and many more will become disabled at some point in their lives. Our country has a historic underemployment of people with disabilities that led to landmark legislation in 1990 with the Americans with Disabilities Act and then this year's ADA Amendments Act passed in September.

********** Published: October 9, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 25