The phrase “the right talent, right now” is this year’s motto for National Disability Employment Awareness Month which runs in October of every year.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.
Locally in Saratoga County, we are so fortunate to have a number of leading organizations with amazingly compassionate and professional leaders championing this important cause every day of the year.
I’m talking about organizations like Saratoga Bridges, AIM Services, Unlimited Potential, and Life Song, Inc.
With support provided by these organizations, individuals with disabilities are empowered to add value and talent to our local workforce.
The individuals they work with and support go to work in a wide range of local companies in all sectors of our local economy. They contribute to the success of the companies they work for offering diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. These employees are valued for their strong work ethic, loyalty and dedication.
These supportive employment opportunities are also of significant value to the worker. Work has become synonymous with self-esteem, self-sufficiency and self-worth. As a person gains confidence and work experience, they often become more independent and productive as well as healthy and happy.
With Saratoga County’s unemployment rate around 3 percent, finding ways to connect individuals with disabilities with local employers in need of talent is so important today.
The fact is that we have a workforce shortage and one potential solution is to connect these job seekers with those looking for workers to fill open positions.
Working with these organizations, local employers can expect a wide range of support.
With a goal of a long-term partnership with local employers, these organizations work diligently to understand what each employer wants and needs.
Each organization has people and processes in place to facilitate good employer-employee job matches. Getting these matches right the first time is a huge benefit and can save employers time and money.
To help achieve such success, the organizations provide realistic appraisals of each workers skills. They often provide on-the-job training as well as disability awareness training for the employer and their employees. Where necessary, there can be extended job coaching.
For those employers interested in learning more, I strongly urge you to visit the websites of these organizations or to give them a call.
You could make this an action item as you look to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month and to find new talent.
I also want to invite employers to our Networking Mixer, on Wednesday, October 23.
To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we will provide these organizations with a table and free passes for their staff to attend this Networking Mixer so they can talk to attendees about the range of supportive employment services being offered locally.
You might say that this will be the Right Place and the Right time for you to find the Right Talent, Right Now!
