A Strong Workforce Is an Inclusive Workforce
October is Nat'l Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 01, 2012
The City of Tallahassee celebrates and recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The purpose is to educate employees and the community about employment issues for people with disabilities and the contributions that they make to the workforce.
As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the City of Tallahassee is once again partnering with the Able Trust for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). From October 22-24, various City employees, representing the full spectrum of job opportunities offered by the City, have volunteered to make a positive difference by mentoring a student with a disability. Through job shadowing and hands-on experience, the students will get to experience what it's like to work in their field of interest.
"This program is invaluable to the participants, both students and employees," said City Manager Anita Favors Thompson. "On the job training helps build skills and knowledge that you simply can't learn in a classroom. Our employees enjoy sharing their job experience with someone who may be interested in pursuing a similar career in the future. The City is proud to be a part of this vital learning experience."
Additionally this year, the City's Equity and Workforce Development Department will coordinate an awareness initiative in which all employees can participate. Silver ribbons will be distributed to employees to wear as a symbolic reminder that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including people with disabilities.
Because of the City of Tallahassee's ongoing commitment to equal opportunity, the Able Trust's Disability Mentoring Day Committee has named it the 2012 Employer of the Year!
"Being recognized for our dedication to inclusiveness and opportunity for all people within our workforce is a great honor," Mayor John Marks said. "Our day-to-day actions and special events, like Disability Mentoring Day, demonstrate the City's commitment to being a diverse, accessible organization."
The City Commission will formally proclaim October as National Disability Employment Awareness month at its October 10 meeting. On October 18, the City will host the Agency for Persons with Disability's annual event in the commission chambers.
For more information, please call the Equity and Workforce Development Department at 891-8290. You can also learn about EWD by visiting their webpage at www.Talgov.com/EWD.
Contact Information
Angela Hendrieth, Equity & Workforce Development, 891-8290; or Alison Faris, Communications Department, 891-8533