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Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) announces its partnership with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The agencies will host a celebration event in East Texas on Tuesday, October 5, from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the University of Texas at Tyler Ornelas Activity Center located at 3402 Old Omen Road. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "America's Recovery: Powered by Inclusion."
We invite the public and East Texas employers to join the celebration, find talent in new places, and learn about programs to help your business find and train applicants. The event will feature a proclamation from the Tyler Mayor, Don Warren, a panel discussion with East Texas employers and agency leaders, and vendor booths.
"As a former hiring manager and HR professional, working with TWS-VR was an incredible experience, said Anne Cozart, TWS VRS Business Relations Coordinator. "We found dozens of great employees through the programs offered, and at no cost to us! Many businesses are unaware of this incredible resource for finding talent. I encourage all business owners who are hurting for employees to come and hear what we have to offer!"
WSET partners with TWS-VRS to ensure that individuals with disabilities in our community have access to the array of workforce services we offer. Workforce Solutions staff may make referrals to TWS-VRS for job seekers with physical or mental disabilities to determine appropriate benefits and eligibility. Workforce Solutions staff may also receive referrals from TWS-VRS for VR customers who may be eligible to receive workforce services such as adult education and literacy services, childcare services, attend career workshops, training, and more. VR staff are often co-located in Workforce Solutions Offices and can provide information about how VR Services may help individuals with disabilities reach their employment goals. Together, our partnership is a win-win for Texans with disabilities seeking employment and for employers seeking to expand diversity and inclusion efforts by making their workforces inclusive of people with disabilities.
"Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Student HireAbility Navigator Sonia White. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.
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