Bridging the Hiring Divide of Disabilities

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ABLE Associates, a regional staffing company and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission celebrate more than two decades of cooperation in placing job seekers with disabilities.  Scott Harrison, Supervisor of Job Placement in Mass Rehab’s New Bedford office, observes, “Our collaboration over the years has paid off.  Many of our clients have found meaningful employment.”  Eileen Wheeler Sheehan, President of ABLE Associates, notes, “Mass Rehab helps us develop suitable accommodations for their clients and ABLE hires them for assignments to showcase their skills.  We reduce the perceived liability that has kept employers from trying a candidate with a physical or mental limitation.  It’s a win-win-win.  Employers have found excellent employees they might never have considered.”

 

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.  The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.

 

“Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization’s success,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, which is “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?”

 

“ABLE Associates is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said MS Sheehan. “We want to spread the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities.”

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