National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026
Celebrate October!
We recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) each October to commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.This is our opportunity to celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” carries the spirit of NDEAM forward through 2026 in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Our goal is for each person we support to live up to their potential and pursue their dreams. We have joined with so many businesses to share the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workforce in our communities. For over 75 years, The Arc Westchester has been linking people with developmental disabilities to the Westchester employment community – from entrepreneurs and the public sector, to non-profits and major corporations.
Every October, we host an Employer Recognition Breakfast that brings together business leaders, community members, and advocates to celebrate the partnerships between employers and The Arc Westchester. These partnerships have helped create meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. The Arc Westchester has over 100 business partners and more than 150 people working in the community.
This year’s keynote speaker is Ellen Bloom, MPH, Director of Community Affairs for New York-Presbyterian Westchester, New-York Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health, and New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. Click here to learn more about our Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast.
Some Success Stories!
Cambria Hotel and Suites White Plains Downtown
The Mines Press, Fostering and Inclusive Workforce
Daniel Bauchman and Helene Goodwin, By the Way Bakery
Joseph Frank, ABB Optical Group
Joseph Frank began working at ABB Optical Group in Elmsford in 2016. His job requires him to scan and enter lens information into their database and he works at cleaning lenses before packaging. Joseph inspires and motivates his fellow co-workers. His attention to detail and productivity has earned him full-time status in 2017.
Naokazu Yorihiro, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Naokazu Yorihiro has been enjoying his work at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals since 2018. Working at a well-known pharmaceutical company like Regeneron can provide valuable experience and contribute to a fulfilling career. As part of the team at the company’s headquarters in Tarrytown, New York, his role in receiving supplies on the loading dock is crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of the company’s production and distribution processes.
Thanks to ALL our Employment Partners!
Each one of our employment partners plays an important role in the diversity of our community’s workforce. We are so proud to partner with each one of them. They provide our team the ability to work with each individual and seek work that meets a candidate’s skills and interests while addressing the business staffing need. We are the bridge between the employer and the employee by assisting both parties to create a successful job match by practicing the steps below.
- Job candidates utilize a video practicing tool to sharpen their productivity and accuracy.
- Interviews take place in-person or by a hands-on demonstration.
- A step-by-step task schedule assists with mastering job responsibilities once the candidate is hired.
- No one job fits all, but successful outcomes are developed with a person-centered approach.
We then ensure that once hired, an Arc Westchester job candidate is integrated into the new workplace. We stay involved with our employees and employer partners every step of the way. For those employees who need regular assistance, a job coach is always on hand to help them perform their daily tasks and address any needs they may have.
Our Employment Program doesn’t simply help people find work, we develop opportunities for individuals to achieve fulfilling and rewarding careers in our communities.
Want to learn more about hiring people with developmental disabilities?
Contact Shari Lewitt, slewitt@arcwestchester.org.
