Clark County Commissioners Proclaim October: Employment of the Disabled in Nevada

 
LAS VEGAS - Sept. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- The Clark County Commission on September 15th, presented a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year is the 70th Anniversary of the NDEAM and the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The proclamation, which was presented to Angel DeFazio, President and Executive Director of the National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation, called upon employers, schools and other employee organizations in Nevada to observe October with appropriate activities and programs that advance the important message that people with disabilities make significant contributions to America’s workforce.

“When I approached more than 20 companies in Las Vegas to participate in a job fair for people with disabilities, only one company stepped up to the table and said yes,” De Fazio said. “In doing my research, I found that NV Energy is the only company in Nevada that finds a way to provide reasonable accommodations to those with disabilities who are perfectly capable of doing their jobs. For example, they have a fragrance free policy in their southern contact center, which demonstrates their openness to hiring and retaining those who have limitations.”

Also in attendance were State Senator Becky Harris, Tony Sanchez, NV Energy’s Senior Vice President of Government and Community Strategy and Jonathan Friedrich, a community activist and supporter of people with disabilities.

“NV Energy has been a part of Nevada for more than 150 years and we proudly foster a culture of inclusion,” said Sanchez. “Our employees are a true reflection of the communities we serve.”

Nevada has more than 350,000 people with disabilities and 171,000 within working age. Only 39.2 percent are employed, compared with 73.1 percent of people without disabilities.

“Studies show that most people with disabilities want to work,” said DeFazio.  “They simply need a willing employer to give them the opportunity. I applaud NV Energy for their ability to see the person’s ability and not define them by their disability.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is held each October and is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for this year — which marks 70 years since the first observance — is "My Disability is One Part of Who I Am."

Contact
Angel De Fazio
***@ntef-usa.org
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