Knock down the barriers
To the editor:
We read it in the headlines every day- the ranks of the unemployed have risen dramatically over the past year. Sadly, the threat of unemployment is all too familiar for Americans with disabilities.
The U.S. Census Bureau says about 54 million Americans have a disability. Of that population, only one in three adults have a job.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, designated by Congress to increase the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of workers with disabilities.
As a leading nonprofit provider of job services for people with disabilities, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida knows that many misconceptions exist about workers with disabilities. But studies show that workers who have disabilities are reliable, competent and motivated.
Imagine our world without the contributions of people with disabilities — artists like Ludwig Von Beethoven, leaders like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or thinkers like Steven Hawking, all of whom made remarkable impact on society as we know it.
It is imperative that we knock down the barriers in the path toward employment for this valuable segment of the population.
There are many ways that you can help. By hiring workers who have disabilities. By educating your coworkers about the facts and the myths regarding workers with disabilities. And by supporting programs-like Goodwill-that provide job services to workers with disabilities.
It’s easy to support Goodwill in our mission. You can shop at our Retail and Donation Centers. You can donate your gently-used clothing, household items, and even cars to Goodwill. You even can volunteer at our stores or events.
With your help, the days of limited employment options for Americans with disabilities could quickly come to an end.
Tom Feurig, President/CEO
Goodwill Industries
of Southwest Florida