The Arc Lexington Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Nationwide campaign will take place in October

Gloversville, NY — The Arc Lexington today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. 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. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, The Arc Lexington will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its communities on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. This includes a performance by Flame, Lexington’s internationally-renowned rock band, at the New York State Education Department/ACCES-VR DREAM (Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month) Symposium at the Empire State Plaza Concourse on October 4 from 12:00-1:00PM. The goal of this event is to acknowledge the rights that people with disabilities are entitled to, highlight the value they bring to the workforce, and assist in matching qualified candidates with employers who believe that a diverse workforce is an empowered, quality workforce.

“The Arc Lexington is proud to participate in activities surrounding this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Shaloni Winston, Executive Director/CEO of Lexington. “All month we will recognize and celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace and the employers who work with these valuable employees.”

This year, Label Shopper in Cobleskill will be presented with a Regional ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation) NDEAM Award, because of a nomination for this award by The Arc Lexington. These awards celebrate businesses that are committed to the mission of assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment, and support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation and career development. Label Shopper in Cobleskill has been a longtime partner of The Arc Lexington, providing employment for people we support for over 22 years. In that time they have continually encouraged professional growth, provided appreciated feedback and created an environment where employees feel valued, respected and a true part of the team.

For businesses interested in hiring capable, dependable and trained employees with disabilities, please contact Lexington’s Employment Supports Department at (518) 773-4717 in Fulton County and (518) 295-8130 in Schoharie County.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.

About Lexington:
The Arc Lexington is a private, not-for-profit agency providing a wide range of services to adults and children who have developmental disabilities in Fulton, Albany and Schoharie Counties. Created in 1953 by a group of concerned parents, Lexington is recognized as one of the leading agencies of its kind in New York State. For more information about Lexington and its programs and services, visit www.thearclexington.org.

About Flame:Flame is a rock band comprised of talented musicians who happen to have disabilities.  Flame was born at a 2003 talent show put on by The Arc Lexington, an agency that supports people with developmental disabilities. Today, Flame is known and celebrated worldwide for their music and inspirational message. Flame’s mission is to change the world through music. For more information visit www.flametheband.com