Sheldon, Iowa — October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and has been proclaimed as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Sheldon, as well.
Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon is a residential facility that works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum and traumatic brain injuries. Lisa Johnson from Village Northwest tells us about National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Johnson says several Village residents hold down jobs in the community.
She says that, in addition to the Village residents working in local businesses, they have numerous others working in businesses owned by VNU, or in what she calls “supportive employment situations.”
Johnson says that, just like you and me, the opportunity to work is very important for people with disabilities.
Recognizing the critical role that individuals with disabilities play in Sheldon’s world-class workforce, Mayor Katricia Meendering has signed a proclamation naming October, 2016 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Sheldon. The proclamation recognizes that Sheldon stands to benefit from an integrated workforce where people with and without disabilities work side by side.
If you’d like to read the proclamation from the City of Sheldon, click here.
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate 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. Employers interested in partnering with Village Northwest Unlimited to provide work opportunities for individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact Leah Timmer, Community Employment Specialist, Village Northwest Unlimited at 712-324-2521 x4110.
