State of Rhode Island Hosted a Disabilities Hiring Resource Symposium for Employers during National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month

Published on Tuesday, October 15, 2024

WARWICK, R.I. – On Tuesday, employers attended the Disabilities Hiring Resource Symposium, hosted by the State of Rhode Island, in celebration of National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The event was presented by the Governor’s Workforce Board and the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services, in collaboration with, the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, and Rhode Island SHRM.

The symposium featured remarks from members of the Governor’s Cabinet, an exhibitor showcase highlighting various hiring resources and support services, and an award presentation to local employer champions. An employer panel featuring talent acquisition and human resource professionals from The RISE Group, Bally’s Corporation, Ocean State Job Lot, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, and Feast & Fettle was moderated by NBC 10 journalist Alison Bologna, who was also presented an award for her work as an advocate for individuals with disabilities.

At the event, the Governor’s Workforce Board released a Disabilities Hiring Resource Guide for Employers that was developed in collaboration with State agency and non-profit partners. The guide can be accessed at www.gwb.ri.gov.

“We hope that through this event, we will further the goals of NDEAM through strategic action. Our community-based provider agencies are working with thousands of differently abled candidates who want to work, and they need more employer partners at the table. At the State-level, we recognize the need to actively engage and support employers because we know they also need the workers,” said Alyssa Alvarado, Executive Director of the Governor’s Workforce Board.

National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. Observed every October, the purpose of NDEAM is to celebrate the talents of workers with disabilities, ensuring they have access to quality employment year-round, and to provide education on supportive workspaces to employers. For more information and resources, visit USDOL’s NDEAM 2024 page and their Office of Disability Employment Policy webpage. October 15th is also National White Cane Awareness Day for the Blind.

“Today is a wonderful opportunity for employers to discover the incredible contributions that workers with disabilities bring to our workforce,” said Matt Weldon, Director of the RI Department of Labor & Training. “By embracing inclusive hiring practices, we can strengthen our economy and create a vibrant, diverse environment that benefits everyone.”

“Today marks an exciting opportunity to showcase the resources, expertise and services that Rhode Island has to offer in the disability hiring network,” said RI Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “The work we highlight today represents an area of tremendous opportunity for both employers and employees who possess a strength of skills and a desire to work hard in an array of professional services. Collectively, this builds an environment of achievement and community.”

“Making our state more inclusive is everyone’s responsibility,” said Richard Charest, Secretary of Health and Human Services. “Everyone can play a role in advocating for and supporting more inclusive work environments and I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of today’s symposium.”

“I support today’s symposium for shedding light on an often-unspoken part of the hiring process,” said Kasim Yarn, Veterans Services Director. “Folks with disabilities, including our Veterans, face incredible barriers to employment due to a lack of awareness, stigmas, and accessibility issues. A disability does not mean someone lacks a strong work ethic or diminished leadership skills. On the contrary, folks with disabilities are incredibly adaptable and resilient. Employers have a unique opportunity to make changes and truly create inclusive and diverse workplaces.”

“We want to thank all the employers – and especially the awardees: Belmont Market, the RISE Group, Inc., and the Little Sisters of the Poor – who already have hired differently-abled workers. We are also grateful to Alison Bologna of Channel 10 and Shri for her ongoing advocacy for this community,” said Joseph Murphy, Associate Director of Vocational Rehabilitation at the Department of Human Services. “We welcome those employers who may be inspired following this event to hire a person with a disability. We as a state want to express our deep commitment to helping individuals with disabilities and be a resource for employers and employees alike.”

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