In recognition of the tireless efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce, North Carolina marked the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a reception that brought together government officials and community members. Governor Josh Stein expressed his steadfast commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce by signing a proclamation, which was made available in both English and Braille. According to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the governor underscored the importance of their contributions in various work settings, emphasizing his dedication to the welfare of all residents in the state.
Over the course of more than a century, the state's vocational rehabilitation program has shown a steadfast devotion to assisting those with disabilities in finding and maintaining gainful employment, demonstrating a clear path forward towards competitive job placement and the betterment of community life – these aims are especially evident in the initiation of programs such as Inclusion Works, Project Spark, and Bridge to Success among others. Chris Egan, the NCDHHS Assistant Secretary of Employment and Community Access, voiced the mutual advantages realized by both employers and job-seeking individuals with disabilities, "From the workforce development standpoint," Egan told the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, "employers across North Carolina who recognize and value this skilled, untapped workforce experience very positive impact when they hire and retain individuals with disabilities to meet their business needs."
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is actively engaging with the disability community, conducting listening sessions across the state to gather heartfelt testimonials of those employed individuals' love for their work and to unearth the motivations of others who eagerly seek employment. Talley Wells, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, shared insights from these encounters, saying, "Employers regularly tell us people with disabilities make the best employees," as reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Wells further addressed the significance of employment for the independence and security of those with disabilities at the celebratory event, which also witnessed bipartisan legislative attendance.
Underlining the role of perseverance and a collective vision in this ongoing pursuit of inclusion, Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, asserted that the goal is to facilitate every person with a disability in obtaining meaningful employment with fair wages, offering them true community inclusion. According to Crosbie, individuals with disabilities are not to be underestimated but acknowledged as skilled and essential members of the labor force deserving of equal access to opportunities in an environment that respects and values their input – a conviction that echoes through the various services the vocational rehabilitation program extends to businesses, including recruitment, on-boarding support, and ongoing retention services which further helps to maintain this diverse, ability-inclusive workforce.
Individuals seeking further information on the experiences of employees with disabilities in North Carolina, policy discussions, and program initiatives directly impacting the mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injury (MH/IDD/SU/TBI) community are encouraged to explore the National Disability Employment Month blog post as well as register for the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services' monthly Side-by-Side webinar series, designed to unite various stakeholders and deepen the understanding of the system for the betterment of all.
