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This month, the New ����app ����app Education Department will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual campaign to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities. The Department’s (ACCES), with the help of several partner organizations, will host several events across the state to recognize businesses that do an outstanding job of employing individuals with disabilities. This year's NDEAM theme is "America’s Workforce: Empowering All."

“We are proud to recognize businesses that are doing the right thing for their communities and their customers by employing qualified, capable and hard-working men and women,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “These businesses not only help persons with disabilities live independently, their partnership creates a substantial effect on their life activities��that enriches their communities.”

"New ����appers of all abilities should have access to employment and career opportunities,” said ����app Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. "Savvy employers know that including different perspectives in the workplace leads to better business outcomes. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, increases competition and drives innovation. That’s something we should always celebrate." ��

“ACCES-VR is proud to be a part of spreading the message that, when given the opportunity, individuals with disabilities make great employees,” said Deputy Commissioner Kevin Smith. “It’s a fitting time to educate about disability employment issues and the work we do year-round to help workers with disabilities achieve employment and independence.”

This year, ACCES-VR will to celebrate and honor those businesses and workers that reflect the ideals of ACCES-VR’s mission to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation and career development.����

The will emphasize local businesses that have provided employment opportunities that enable workers with disabilities to contribute to their communities, earn a living wage and have meaningful careers.

ACCES-VR’s 2018 NDEAM honorees receiving statewide recognition include:

ACCES-VR’s 2018 NDEAM honorees receiving regional recognition include:

More information on statewide NDEAM events can be found on . The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has information for employers and employees in all industries to in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages throughout the year.��

ACCES-VR offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of supports—from counseling and guidance, assessment, job placement, and job coaching to tuition assistance and equipment and inventory for those who are self-employed—to help them make a career and earn a living. These individuals work with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors who connect them with the right programs and people so they can reach their employment goals. There are 15 ACCES-VR statewide.

ACCES-VR works closely with the DOL and the New ����app ����app Commission for the Blind in helping individuals with disabilities find jobs and identifying employers that hire these individuals. The Commission for the Blind provides vocational rehabilitation for people who are blind and nominates businesses to be recognized this month. Additionally, DOL vets all businesses nominated as part of NDEAM.