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Vista Customers Recognize Business Champions During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This October, the nation celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by highlighting the value of inclusive workplaces. As part of the month’s activities, the Dauphin County and Cumberland County Commissioners recognized businesses that champion diversity by employing individuals with disabilities.
Two Vista Autism Services clients proudly participated in this event, honoring their employers for their commitment to inclusion. TL, a Vista Adult Services customer, presented a certificate of recognition to her employer, The Hershey Company, while ED, a student at The Vista School, recognized his employer, Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services.
The theme of this year’s NDEAM, #InclusionWorks, emphasizes the importance of fostering workplaces where every individual’s contributions are valued. “Every individual has unique interests and capabilities that, when matched to the right business, add tremendous benefit to the employer and ultimately to our society as a whole,” said Brandon Yorty, Vista’s Director of Adult Employment Services.
Vista Autism Services exemplifies this vision by supporting 15 students and adults in competitive, minimum-wage employment opportunities across a variety of industries. Businesses like The Hershey Company and Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services stand out as champions of inclusion, recognizing the potential in all people and modifying hiring processes to make employment accessible for individuals with disabilities.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month has a rich history dating back to 1945 when Congress declared the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to include individuals with all types of disabilities, and in 1988, the observance was expanded to a full month. Today, NDEAM serves as both a celebration of contributions made by workers with disabilities and an educational campaign for businesses and communities.
For Vista customers like TL and ED, employment is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to contribute to their communities and build confidence in their skills. For their employers, it’s a chance to tap into a dedicated and talented workforce.
“It takes champions like The Hershey Company and Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services to recognize this potential and embrace the principles of ‘employment first’ for all,” said Yorty.
Vista Autism Services remains committed to empowering individuals with autism through meaningful employment opportunities. Businesses and individuals interested in learning more about disability employment can visit www.dol.gov/ndeam to explore resources and success stories.
Together, we can build a future where inclusion isn’t just celebrated—it’s the standard.
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