As long-term advocates of disability inclusion in the community’s work force, Employment Connection will participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month by commemorating the local businesses who employ people we support.
Initially, the Agency offered educational opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities through the Children’s Learning Center. Later, As the children grew into adulthood, the Agency began offering vocational and employment opportunities, which led to the Agency’s work centers, SubCon Industries in Olean and Salamanca.
About 20 years ago, the Agency realized the need to offer community employment. While recently the government has called for an end to sheltered work shops and an increase in community employment for people with disabilities, the Agency was already well ahead of those new mandates.
Photo: Zack, Adam, Darcy, Tim, and Todd (standing behind Darcy) joined to artfully assemble 25 baskets to deliver to their employers in gratitude for their jobs.
Today, the Agency’s Employment Connection actively prepares people, and finds them in jobs in the community.
As much as it is Employment Connection’s forward-thinking, successful employment is clearly a shared achievement by local employers who took a chance on our people. They are the real heroes to those who are now employed. Without their faith in our people, many might not be living with the high levels of independence and quality of life they enjoy. The number of employers in the area who have hired people through Employment Connection is up to 25.
The Agency is deeply grateful to all of them, which include: SCS, Ponderosa, Holiday Inn, Allegany Country Transit / First Transit, ReHab Center residences at Fall Rd., Henley Rd. and Buffalo Rd., Aramark, Park and Shop, Mazza, Walmart, St. Bonaventure University, Best Western Hotels, Cattaraugus County DSS, Absolute Care, Head Start, Tops Friendly Markets, Healthcare Services at The Pines, St. Mary’s Church, Holiday Valley, City of Olean, Fred’s Contract Cleaning, Burger King, and Pete-As Ria.
This year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “#InclusionWorks, and highlights the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.
