FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Education Department Recognizes 33 Employers of Individuals With Disabilities in Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Southern Tier and Central New York Boast the Most Regional Winners
The 91做厙ぢ賤唳 joins the country in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by recognizing businesses that hire an exceptional number of individuals with disabilities. This years theme is Access to Good Jobs for All, which will be promoted through statewide events hosted by the Departments Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and partner organizations throughout the month of October aimed at offering employment opportunities to people with disabilities.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, One of the cornerstones of a successful business is a diverse workforce, which includes individuals with disabilities. The work of ACCES-VR plays a vital role in bridging the gap between talented individuals and employers who recognize the value they bring to the team. I extend my sincere congratulations to the 33 companies that have earned this well-deserved recognition. Together with the Department the Board and I proudly celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, This years NDEAM theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," embodies a powerful commitment that lies squarely within the mission of the Departments ACCES-VR program. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly year-round to help individuals with disabilities secure not just jobs, but find fulfilling careers. This vital work would not be possible without the invaluable support of employers across the state who proudly hire the talented individuals that ACCES-VR serves. The Department extends heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 regional winners, whose dedication has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals with disabilities. It is truly an honor to celebrate NDEAM alongside you.
Throughout the month of October, businesses of all sizes and from all parts of the state will be celebrated for expanding their workforce to include qualified people with disabilities by offering them employment opportunities. A total of are scheduled this month, including eight NDEAM Award Ceremonies, three Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) events, and one Diverse Abilities Job Fair. .
These events will be hosted by the Departments Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), with the help of several partner organizations. The award ceremonies will also highlight the success of businesses in finding qualified, talented workers by partnering with ACCES-VR.泭
ACCES-VR
ACCES-VR assists thousands of individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment by providing them with opportunities to achieve the credentials, education, skill development, and experience needed to build a career. ACCES-VR also offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of supports and services to help them obtain and maintain careers that are long-term sustainable.
These services include, but are not limited to, vocational counseling and guidance; financial assistance for post-secondary training and education; paid work experiences; job placement; job coaching; purchasing of equipment and inventory for self-employment; and pre-employment transition for students with disabilities. The individuals with disabilities that ACCES-VR serves work with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors who provide them with guidance and oversight in connecting them with the right programs and services they need to reach their employment goal.
In 2024, more than 23,000 individuals became eligible for ACCES-VR services and more than 4,500 secured employment. There are 15 ACCES-VR offices and 9 satellites statewide.
ACCES-VR works closely with the 91做厙ぢ賤唳 Department of Labor and the 91做厙ぢ賤唳 Commission for the Blind in helping individuals with disabilities find employment and assisting the business community in filling their hiring needs. The Commission for the Blind also provides vocational rehabilitation for people who are blind and nominates businesses to be recognized this month.
2024 Regional Winners
Southern Tier
- Americas Attic Inc - 308 Harry L Drive, Johnson City, NY泭 13790
- Black Bears Binghamton - 1 Stuart Street, Binghamton, NY泭 13901
- Canopy by Hilton - 324 E. State Street, Ithaca, NY泭 14850
- Childrens Home of Wyoming Conference - 1182 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY泭 13901
- Cunninghams Jewelry - 1139 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY泭 13905
- Double Tree by Hilton - 225 Water Street, Binghamton, NY 13901
- Ithaca ReUse Center - 214 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Roberson Museum - 30 Front Street, Binghamton, NY泭 13905
- Spencer VanEtten HS - 16 Darts Cross Road, Spencer, NY泭 14883
- Wegmans in Hornell - 1000 State Route 36, Hornell, NY泭 14843
- Woodfern Florist - 501 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY泭 13901
Central New York
- Changing Seasons Home Care - 214 Highbridge Street, East Syracuse, NY泭 13066
- Dynamic Cleaning - 690 NY 17C, Oswego, NY泭 13827
- Home2Suites by Hilton-Oswego - 252 NY 104, Oswego, NY泭 13126
- Oswego Industries - 7 Morrill Pl, Fulton, NY泭 13069
- St. Josephs Health - 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203
- SUNY Oswego Dining Services - 506 Culkin Hall, 7060 NY 104, Oswego, NY泭 13126
- ULTA Beauty-Erie Blvd - 3409 Erie Blvd E, Unit 130, Dewitt, NY泭 13214
- United Radio - 5703 Enterprise Parkway, Dewitt, NY泭 13057
Western New York
- BJs Wholesale Warehouse - 232 Larkin Drive, Monroe, NY泭 10950
- BR Guest Ltd. - One James D. Griffin Plaza, Buffalo, NY泭 14203
- Buffalo Strive Vending - 3538 California Road, Orchard Park, NY泭 14127
- Ecklof Bakery & Deli - 832 Foote Ave, Jamestown, NY泭 14701
- Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield - 165 Court Street, Rochester, NY泭 14647
- ULTA Beauty - 1701 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Suite 100, Amherst, NY泭 14226
Hudson Valley
- Clarkstown High School South - 31 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack, NY泭 10994
- Club Demonstration Services - 50 Overlook Blvd., Nanuet, NY泭 10954
- Helen Hayes Hospital - 51-55 Rte. 9W North, West Haverstraw, NY泭 10993
- PECO-Producto Electric Corp - 11 Kings Highway, Orangeburg, NY泭 10962
- Southern Dutchess News/Alvin Anderson - 84 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY泭 12590
Mohawk Valley
- Herkimer Veterinary Associates - 121 Marginal Rd, Herkimer, NY泭 13350
- Masonic Care Community - 2150 Bleeker Street, Utica, NY泭 13501
Capital Region
- Bountiful Bread - 1475 Western Avenue, Albany, NY泭 12203
To learn more about ACCES-VR services, please visit 泭or call 1-800-222-JOBS (5627).
Media Contact
Reporters and education writers may contact the Office of Communications by email or phone at:
Press@nysed.gov
(518) 474-1201
