NDEAM Recognizes Contributions of People with Disabilities in the Workplace
Vienna, VA (PRWEB) October 03, 2016 -- In celebration of a National Disability Employment Awareness Month, SourceAmerica is recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities throughout the month of October. Through a series of videos of eight different men and women, SourceAmerica is sharing their stories as examples of this year’s theme for NDEAM, #InclusionWorks.
Connie McClendon was medically retired from the National Guard. She had a daughter in high school and a newborn son when her career of almost 20 years of service ended. Soon she also had an eviction notice. Russell Swiecki, a Gulf War veteran, was living on the streets with a then undiagnosed disability that prevented him from holding down a job. Kevin Raysor thought his learning disability would limit his career choices to dead-end jobs. Nancy Scott was injured on the job, lost that job then struggled to find a new one. All of them found employment through SourceAmerica member nonprofits.
Curtis Wegner wants people to realize his disability is rooted in ability. Benjamin Nielson wants the security of a steady paycheck, benefits and the ability to save for retirement as well as the dignity of being treated just like anyone else. Annette Coleman has worked for the same company for almost 20 years; through that job, she’s learned to speak up for herself and others with disablities. Pamela Cox started off as a custodian, but over the course of 10 years she’s moved up to become a manager working on her master’s degree.
Through the SourceAmerica network of nonprofits, these men and women found productive work, paychecks and pride in a working environment that encourages them to progress and thrive. They’re proof that #InclusionWorks, said SourceAmerica CEO Steve Soroka.
“The people who are employed by our network of nonprofits are inspiring, hard-working, valuable members of the workforce,” Soroka said. “We’re proud to share their stories as part of NDEAM and convey the importance and far-reaching impact of our mission.”
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About SourceAmerica
Established in 1974, SourceAmerica creates job opportunities for a skilled and dedicated workforce of people with significant disabilities. SourceAmerica is the vital link between the federal government and private sector organizations that procure the products and services provided by this exceptional workforce via a network of more than 1,000 community-based nonprofits. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, SourceAmerica provides its nonprofit agency network with business development, contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and extensive professional training needed for successful nonprofit management. SourceAmerica is an AbilityOne-authorized enterprise.
Kerry McGinley, SourceAmerica, +1 571-529-0218, [email protected]
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