Celebrate October:  National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

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. The theme for NDEAM 2024 is“Access to Good Jobs for All” and 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 thatbenefit employers and employees. This theme aligns with our commitment to creating inclusive career opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Our goal is for each individual 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.

With over 150 business partners, we currently support hundred os people who are working, interning and volunteering within these Westchester organizations. We applaud businesses and organizations for their extroridinary efforts, and encourage them to support a better and more inclusive future for people with developmental disabilities.

Employee Spotlight 

Dylan Ionescu is a 2023 graduate of Project Search Autism Enhancement, a 10-month internship program at the New York Presbyterian Behavioral Health Center Campus in White Plains. During his time in the program, Dylan explored diverse career avenues, ultimately discovering his passion for working in an educational setting. He wanted to contribute to the growth and development of children, particularly those with disabilities. The opportunity presented itself when The Arc Westchester’s Children’s School for Early Development extended an invitation for him to join as a teacher’s aide. Collaborating closely with the teaching staff, he is committed to ensuring the well-being, happiness and advancement of the children each day. His genuine affection for his work shines, and he just loves his job and they love him!

Read Some More Employee Success Stories!

Will Greco and Matthew Teator, Zaro’s Family Bakery

Will and Matthew have been working at the Bakery’s Elmsford location since 2021, they do important jobs such as helping to pack bread and popcorn. Learn more about Will, Matthew, and Zaro’s partnership with The Arc Westchester in our video here →

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 Business 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 assisting both parties with 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.