The Hudson Valley Service Providers (HVSP) — a consortium of 22 local agencies, including Abilities First — hosted the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Employer Recognition Summit on Oct. 16 in Newburgh.
The event honored six outstanding Hudson Valley employers who exemplify inclusive hiring practices and create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This year’s honorees included Beck’s Hardware, AFYA Foundation, Resorts World Catskills, Town of Cortlandt Department of Environmental Services, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in Wappingers Falls, and Target at the Poughkeepsie Galleria.
Dr. Jeffery Fox, chair of HVSP and CEO of Abilities First, emphasized the importance of strong community partnerships in creating equitable opportunities. “People with disabilities can accomplish tremendous things and are filling important roles in the workplace all across our great state,” Fox said. “We need to continue preparing young people for employment, supporting adults in the workforce and educating our communities to be more accommodating and inclusive.”
Keynote speaker Lynne Thibdeau of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities highlighted Employment First, a statewide initiative that promotes full inclusion in competitive, integrated employment.
The summit was made possible through the collaboration of HVSP member agencies and event sponsors, including Abilities First, Constructive Partnerships Unlimited, Gateway Hudson Valley, Jawonio, Independent Living Inc., Access: Supports for Living, In Flight Innovation for Developmental Achievement, and New Hope Community Services.
Together, these organizations are advancing the message that employment is the ultimate inclusion — and that the Hudson Valley is leading the way in creating workplaces where everyone belongs.
