News Summary
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the workforce. Local officials in Cuyahoga County are advocating for recognizing the contributions of individuals with disabilities, despite their lower employment rates. Research shows inclusive practices lead to increased engagement and performance in companies. Collaborations are ongoing to support job seekers with disabilities and improve hiring processes, while challenges remain in negotiations for a new contract involving developmental disabilities services. The call for a more equitable work environment for all is urgent.
Cleveland, Ohio – October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to highlight the significant contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. Local officials in Cuyahoga County are emphasizing the critical role that employees with disabilities play in today’s work environment, underscoring their unique perspectives, creative problem-solving skills, and resilience.
Despite the benefits that these individuals bring to the workplace, the employment rate for individuals with disabilities remains significantly lower than that of those without disabilities, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 70 million adults in the United States identify as having a disability, demonstrating a substantial gap in employment opportunities that hinders potential, innovation, and economic growth.
Research indicates that companies that adopt inclusive hiring practices benefit significantly, experiencing increased employee engagement, reduced turnover, and improved overall performance. Inclusive teams are marked by higher levels of innovation and adaptability, attributes that are increasingly important in serving diverse customer bases.
Creating an inclusive workplace requires intentional efforts. These may include accessible job postings, inclusive interview processes, and providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. The theme for this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Celebrating Value and Talent,” which focuses on acknowledging the contributions of disabled workers.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities collaborates with the Employment Collaborative of Cuyahoga County to support job seekers with disabilities. This initiative helps those individuals prepare for job applications and interviews while also assisting employers with onboarding, job coaching, and ongoing support to create environments where employees with disabilities can thrive.
While many local employers in Cuyahoga County are making strides toward disability inclusion, there remains significant work to enhance inclusive practices further. Recognizing the diverse talents of individuals with disabilities is essential to building resilient workplaces and prosperous communities. The Board encourages everyone to honor the achievements of disabled workers and their supportive employers throughout the month of October.
Amid these discussions on disability inclusion, Cuyahoga County faces challenges with ongoing negotiations for a new contract covering employees of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. There is a potential strike authorized by the SEIU District 1199 union, with employees voicing concerns about high caseloads stemming from understaffing, which affects their capacity to provide adequate support for clients with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Amber C. Gibbs, the superintendent and CEO of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, emphasizes the importance of uplifting individuals with disabilities, highlighting their vital role in enhancing organizational success and community strength. As employers and community leaders reflect upon the importance of disability inclusion, they are reminded of the wealth of talent that individuals with disabilities can bring to the workforce, ultimately benefiting all sectors of society.
The call to action is clear: organizations must strive to incorporate inclusive practices that allow individuals with disabilities to contribute their skills effectively, fostering a more equitable work environment where everyone can thrive.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
- Cleveland.com: Employees Threaten Strike Over Contract Dispute
- Wikipedia: Disability Inclusion
- News 5 Cleveland: Cleveland Municipal Court Cyber Attack Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employment
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
