Martha Lopez-Hanratty, Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development and Immigrant Affairs, Westchester County; Shari Rosen Ascher, Director of Policy & Programs, Small Business and Chambers of Commerce, Westchester County; Rosa Ramon, Assistant to the Westchester County Office of Economic Development & Westchester IDA Assistant Secretary; Westchester County Executive George Latimer
Westchester County Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with Job Fair
As an extension of Westchester County’s commitment to building and maintaining an inclusive workforce, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development recently hosted a Diverse Abilities Job Fair. The October 9 event, which took place at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, connected more than 250 job seekers of differing abilities with nearly 60 employers and resource providers.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Individuals of all abilities contribute to an inclusive, productive, and dynamic workforce. We were proud to offer a job fair dedicated to differently-abled individuals and have been impressed by the attendance numbers for each of the Diverse Abilities Job Fairs.”
Westchester County Office of People with Disabilities Director Evan Latainer said, “Breaking down barriers to employment for all individuals, including those with disabilities, is critically important. We are grateful to our partners and the community for their continued support of these events.”
Westchester County Office of Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons said, “Westchester County prides itself on cultivating job opportunities for all individuals who are interested in seeking employment. We consistently hear from employers that they are impressed with the candidates who come to these events, and we are glad to be a resource for connecting differently-abled individuals with right fit employers.”
Westchester County Director of Policy and Programs, Small Business and Chambers of Commerce Shari Rosen Ascher said, “The collaboration among organizations that support individuals of differing abilities is a hallmark of this job fair’s success. Thank you to the open-minded employers, advocates, and talented candidates who made this event so successful.”
Participating employers at the October 9 event, included ACCES-VR American Sugar Refining, Inc., The Arc Westchester, Ascend Services, Attending Home Care, Bedford Central School District, The Center for Career Freedom, Edison Home Health Care, FirstGroup, Greater Mental Health of New York, Hearing Loss Association of America, Human Development Services, Jawonio, Liberty Lines, Marquis Home Care, Mass Mutual, New York Commission for the Blind, New York School for the Deaf, New York Power Authority, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Police, Northwell Health, New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc., O’Brien CMC, Rivertowns Playhouse, Primerica, Shrub Oak International School, Special Citizens Futures Unlimited, Westchester County Human Resources, Westchester County Parks Department, Westchester-Putnam One-Stop, Westchester Residential Opportunities, White Plains Hospital and many more. Before the event, informational sessions were conducted for both employers and job seekers to help all parties have a positive and productive experience.
Visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/events/ for an up-to-date list of Westchester County’s job fairs, and other skills training opportunities.