The Arc Westchester hosted a virtual panel discussion that focused on the benefits of having a diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce and how hiring individuals with disabilities can contribute to business goals, inspire a workforce and add to company culture.“Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Successful Strategies and Business Benefits of Hiring People with Developmental Disabilities” was the topic of a panel discussion on April 29.  We are grateful The Business Council of Westchester and President/CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon, who moderated the conversation. The event featured esteemed panelists Sally Paull, Senior Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer, Regeneron; Tibi Guzmán, Executive Director/CEO, The Arc Westchester; Anthony Justic, Managing Partner, Maier Markey & Justic LLP; Sean Meade, General Manager, Cambria Hotels & Suites; and Scott Pearl, Managing Director, Digital Eye Lab at ABB Optical Group.

• Regeneron has been a flagship employer for The Arc Westchester since 2011, having hired 12 individuals with developmental disabilities, eight of which remain employed there today.
• Cambria Hotels & Suites, currently has two part-time employees with developmental disabilities, working at their hotel.
• ABB Optical, the largest distributor in the optical space in the country, now employs eight individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Maier Markey & Justic LLP found the hiring process of their office worker a smooth process and she is thriving at her job.

Tibi Guzmán, Executive Director/CEO, The Arc Westchester, shared insights into how the organization’s Employment Program works, and how it makes business sense for their partners throughout the County.

She said, “We all know that individuals with developmental disabilities is a population full of talent, but often forgotten or left out of the DEI discussion. Our employment rate for individuals with developmental disabilities is over 60 percent, nearly double the national average. The real key to our success is the partnership between the potential employer and The Arc Westchester staff. This special relationship helps us better prepare the employment candidates and assist the employers, wherever needed, for long-term, successful outcomes.”

For more information on how your business can benefit from our employment services, visit https://arcwestchester.org/get-involved/become-a-business-partner/.