State Education Department Recognizes 47 Employers of Individuals with Disabilities

The New York State Education Department honored 47 businesses from across the State that do an outstanding job of employing individuals with disabilities as part of its celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced today.

"New York values the diverse talents of all of its citizens and together, with these businesses, we are focusing on eliminating unacceptable employment gaps for people with disabilities," said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa. "With support and awareness, we can help individuals be successful at work and celebrate their contributions and the businesses that employ them."

“The Board of Regents and the State Education Department are celebrating 70 years of inclusion for people with disabilities as we assist all students, in receiving full access to the supports and services they need to excel in life,” said Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “This year, the theme for NDEAM was ‘Inclusion Works’ and it truly does. When a business is committed to hiring a diverse workforce, inclusive of the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities, it benefits the company, the employee and the community as a whole.”

“We are extremely grateful for this recognition, and more importantly, what it means for individuals with disabilities in providing better access to employment,” said Patrick Miller, Director of Human Resources for Hyatt Regency Rochester. “Hyatt has successfully hired individuals with disabilities for years, and we are fortunate to have Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) to partner with in this effort.  As a business, we believe there is strength in diversity.” 

“It is a pleasure working with Ability Beyond and ACCES-VR. With funding provided by ACCES-VR, Ability Beyond delivered job development and job coaching services to three employees at the PepsiCo Fitness Center,” said Josh Vaghi, PepsiCo Fitness Center Program Manager. “Not only does my fitness staff get to build a co-worker relationship with these employees on a daily basis but so do the over 1000 PepsiCo employees who are members of the Fitness Center as well. For the daily gym users, the employees from Ability Beyond are always there to greet them with a pleasant hello and assist them with anything. They are valuable members of our team and keep our daily operations running smoothly.”

With the help of partner organizations, the Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) hosted 20 events across the State in October to highlight the connection between businesses seeking qualified workers, and workers who happen to be individuals with disabilities. Through the Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) program, the Department assists individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment so they can live independently. Businesses of all sizes, from all parts of the state were celebrated for their willingness to invest in qualified people with disabilities in their communities by offering them employment opportunities.

The Department recognized five statewide winners: PepsiCo, Hyatt Regency Rochester, Field Goods, Puzzles Bakery and Café, and entrepreneur Cassandra Neil of Alphabet Farm Day Care. NYSED also honored 42 regional winners (see list below).  

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 goal. In 2015, more than 27,000 individuals became eligible for ACCES-VR services and more than 12,000 secured employment. There are 15 ACCES-VR offices statewide.

ACCES-VR works closely with the Department of Labor and the New York State 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 for NDEAM. Additionally, DOL vets all businesses nominated as part of NDEAM.

To find out more about ACCES-VR services, please go to www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/  or call 1-800-222-JOBS (5627).

Statewide Winners:

Regional Winners:

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