I like the idea of giving credit where credit is due, which is the goal of a national observance called National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Each October, they formally givecredit to employees with disabilities who make tremendous contributions to our lives, economy, and workplaces.
This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” which makes me proud that we factor this equation into our lives every day here at Envision Unlimited. We routinely acknowledge the vital role that people with disabilities play in our diverse and inclusive workforce. We also have an employment program that prepares members for the workplace, helps them land a position, and provides support to succeed on the job.
This past year, our program experienced its most successful year yet. We exceeded our state contracts. And recently, we expanded our employment program to include students with disabilities in the Chicago Public Schools. That is very exciting!
Today, 125 Envision members actively participate in our employment programs. They work an average of 20 hours a week for FedEx, Jewel, Jiffy Lube, Macy’s, Marshall’s, The University of Chicago, and many other employers. One of our members we placed in a part-time position at Walmart now has a full-time job there with benefits.
Driving our success is the young man who is in this month's Staff Spotlight. I am #EnvisionProud to introduce Christopher Watts, MBA, our incomparable workforce consultant.
Thanks for all you do, Chris!