State Education Department Recognizes 33 Employers of Individuals With Disabilities in Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The New York State Education Department joins the country in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by recognizing businesses that hire an exceptional number of individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All,” which will be promoted through statewide events hosted by the Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and partner organizations throughout the month of October aimed at offering employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “One of the cornerstones of a successful business is a diverse workforce, which includes individuals with disabilities. The work of ACCES-VR plays a vital role in bridging the gap between talented individuals and employers who recognize the value they bring to the team. I extend my sincere congratulations to the 33 companies that have earned this well-deserved recognition. Together with the Department the Board and I proudly celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “This year’s NDEAM theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," embodies a powerful commitment that lies squarely within the mission of the Department’s ACCES-VR program. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly year-round to help individuals with disabilities secure not just jobs, but find fulfilling careers. This vital work would not be possible without the invaluable support of employers across the state who proudly hire the talented individuals that ACCES-VR serves. The Department extends heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 regional winners, whose dedication has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals with disabilities. It is truly an honor to celebrate NDEAM alongside you.”

Throughout the month of October, businesses of all sizes and from all parts of the state will be celebrated for expanding their workforce to include qualified people with disabilities by offering them employment opportunities. A total of 12 events are scheduled this month, including eight NDEAM Award Ceremonies, three Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) events, and one Diverse Abilities Job Fair. A full list of events can be found here.

These events will be hosted by the Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), with the help of several partner organizations. The award ceremonies will also highlight the success of businesses in finding qualified, talented workers by partnering with ACCES-VR. 

ACCES-VR

ACCES-VR assists thousands of individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment by providing them with opportunities to achieve the credentials, education, skill development, and experience needed to build a career. ACCES-VR also offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of supports and services to help them obtain and maintain careers that are long-term sustainable.

These services include, but are not limited to, vocational counseling and guidance; financial assistance for post-secondary training and education; paid work experiences; job placement; job coaching; purchasing of equipment and inventory for self-employment; and pre-employment transition for students with disabilities. The individuals with disabilities that ACCES-VR serves work with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors who provide them with guidance and oversight in connecting them with the right programs and services they need to reach their employment goal.

In 2024, more than 23,000 individuals became eligible for ACCES-VR services and more than 4,500 secured employment. There are 15 ACCES-VR offices and 9 satellites statewide.

ACCES-VR works closely with the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Commission for the Blind in helping individuals with disabilities find employment and assisting the business community in filling their hiring needs. The Commission for the Blind also provides vocational rehabilitation for people who are blind and nominates businesses to be recognized this month.

2024 Regional Winners

Southern Tier

• America’s Attic Inc - 308 Harry L Drive, Johnson City, NY  13790
• Black Bears Binghamton - 1 Stuart Street, Binghamton, NY  13901
• Canopy by Hilton - 324 E. State Street, Ithaca, NY  14850
• Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference - 1182 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY  13901
• Cunninghams Jewelry - 1139 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY  13905
• Double Tree by Hilton - 225 Water Street, Binghamton, NY 13901
• Ithaca ReUse Center - 214 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
• Roberson Museum - 30 Front Street, Binghamton, NY  13905
• Spencer VanEtten HS - 16 Darts Cross Road, Spencer, NY  14883
• Wegmans in Hornell - 1000 State Route 36, Hornell, NY  14843
• Woodfern Florist - 501 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY  13901

Central New York

• Changing Seasons Home Care - 214 Highbridge Street, East Syracuse, NY  13066
• Dynamic Cleaning - 690 NY 17C, Oswego, NY  13827
• Home2Suites by Hilton-Oswego - 252 NY 104, Oswego, NY  13126
• Oswego Industries - 7 Morrill Pl, Fulton, NY  13069
• St. Joseph’s Health - 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203
• SUNY Oswego Dining Services - 506 Culkin Hall, 7060 NY 104, Oswego, NY  13126
• ULTA Beauty-Erie Blvd - 3409 Erie Blvd E, Unit 130, Dewitt, NY  13214
• United Radio - 5703 Enterprise Parkway, Dewitt, NY  13057

Western New York

• BJ’s Wholesale Warehouse - 232 Larkin Drive, Monroe, NY  10950
• BR Guest Ltd. - One James D. Griffin Plaza, Buffalo, NY  14203
• Buffalo Strive Vending - 3538 California Road, Orchard Park, NY  14127
• Ecklof Bakery & Deli - 832 Foote Ave, Jamestown, NY  14701
• Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield - 165 Court Street, Rochester, NY  14647
• ULTA Beauty - 1701 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 100, Amherst, NY  14226

Hudson Valley

• Clarkstown High School South - 31 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack, NY  10994
• Club Demonstration Services - 50 Overlook Blvd., Nanuet, NY  10954
• Helen Hayes Hospital - 51-55 Rte. 9W North, West Haverstraw, NY  10993
• PECO-Producto Electric Corp - 11 Kings Highway, Orangeburg, NY  10962
• Southern Dutchess News/Alvin Anderson - 84 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY  12590

Mohawk Valley

• Herkimer Veterinary Associates - 121 Marginal Rd, Herkimer, NY  13350
• Masonic Care Community - 2150 Bleeker Street, Utica, NY  13501

Capital Region

• Bountiful Bread - 1475 Western Avenue, Albany, NY  12203

To learn more about ACCES-VR services, please visit NYSED's ACCES-VR website or call 1-800-222-JOBS (5627).