GLOVERSVILLE — The ARC Lexington announced its participation in the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of NDEAM 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 “Increasing Access and Opportunity.”
The NDEAM 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 NDEAM.
“Lexington is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Esther Carpenter, director of Lexington’s Employment Resources program. “We want to spread the important message that individuals who have disabilities are valuable, dedicated, skilled and capable.” Carpenter added: “It’s also at this time of year that we are especially thankful to our partnering businesses who employ people because of their abilities, rather than their disabilities.” “Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy.”
The Lexington’s partner businesses include: In Amsterdam — Ashley Home Store and Lowes; in Gloversville — Burger King, Glove City Veterinary Hospital, Gloversville Enlarged School District, Harrison Document Services, Willing Helpers Community Store, Kingsboro Catering, the Leader-Herald, Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Mountain Valley Hospice, and Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Runnings, Schine Memorial Hall, Shoe Depot and Walgreens; in Johnstown — Fox Run Golf Club, McDonalds, Noble Ace Hardware, Pizza Hut, Ruby & Quiri, Simply the Best Home Care, Top Quality Home Care; other areas — Century Linen & Uniform, Gloversville and Johnstown; Fulmont Community Action Agency of Fulton and Montgomery counties; Fulton-Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce; Galway Central School District; Keymark, Fonda; Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services; the Arc Lexington; Price Chopper, Amsterdam, Gloversville, Johnstown and Palatine Bridge.
The LER program provides no-fee employment services and support for men and women with developmental disabilities and the employers who train and hire them. The program customizes their services to meet job seeker’s needs, skills and interests.
For the employer, LER can help hire people with disabilities who are qualified, motivated, productive and reliable.
The program will provide the training and support needed for long-term placements. For more information, contact Carpenter at (518) 773-4717 or e-mail: [email protected]
The employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in NDEAM and ways they can promote its messages during October and throughout the year by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.
