National Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebrated In Westport

News Release from the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities:

WESTPORT, CT — The Town of Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities is celebrating October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by hosting a “Let’s Talk About Disability” forum on Tuesday, October 22nd from 12 noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road. Community members can RSVP at RSVP Oct 22 Disability Awareness.

The 2024 NDEAM official theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All,” which is only possible when communities and employers equip themselves and their organizations with knowledge, skills, and tools to create inclusive workplaces. This special lunchtime presentation on October 22 is being offered to local businesses, employers and community members to explore and improve their capacity to hire and support Westport’s disability workforce. Program organizers say that the one-hour program offers a shame-free exploration of attitudinal barriers and creates a new perspective on the unique abilities and advantages of working with persons with disabilities.

Westport Commission on People with Disabilities’ “Employment is for Everyone“ Initiative continues to evolve in its goal to provide education and awareness to employers by providing tools and guidance for both the employer and the employee to find mutually beneficial circumstances where both thrive.

According to Westport Human Services Director Elaine Daignault, “The Commission’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities includes a focus on employment because too often employers are hesitant to hire due to self-limiting perceptions, and fear or concerns over their capacity to provide ongoing support for employees with disabilities within their organizations.”

She adds, “Westport is proud to have several businesses and individuals successfully employing people with disabilities and embracing a disability-friendly and inclusive culture. The Commission invites all community members to join the conversation because a well-informed community creates space and opportunity to realize the full potential of an untapped resource in our Town.”

“This is why we are so excited to bring our state partners from Connecticut’s Aging and Disability Services (The Bureau of Rehab Services) to offer this amazing disability awareness program to Westport. Programs like these inspire participation and discovery as a learning vehicle to improve workplace culture for all.”

According to the 2018 Accenture Study, “Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage,” in partnership with Disability: IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in the workforce have outperformed their peers, improved productivity and increased innovation while enhancing their businesses’ reputation.

Daignault hopes business owners, hiring managers, staff, and others will attend the October 22nd program to promote workforce inclusion. “The Accenture research shows that people with disabilities are capable, creative, and eager to work, adding value, promoting teamwork, and spreading joy to employees and customers. Attending this workshop is a great first step in opening doors of opportunity for businesses and potential employees with disabilities who will enhance the vibe in any place of business.”

For more information on available resources or services, contact Westport Human Services at 203-341-1050 or hum_srv@westportct.gov. To learn more about the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities’ “Employment is for Everyone” Initiative go towww.westportct.gov/e4e.

— Flyer from the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities