Christie Administration Kicks Off National Disability Employment Awareness Month

On Oct 7, 2016

The Christie Administration kicked off National Disability Employment Awareness Month  with the New Jersey Departments of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) and Human Services (DHS) participating in the sixth annual Disability Pride Parade and Celebration Day in the capital city.

Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month seeks to educate people about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

The parade began at the State House and continued through downtown Trenton for a post-parade celebration outside DHS featuring speakers, entertainment and vendors. David Free, assistant director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, addressed the crowd and encouraged attendees to learn more about the department’s offerings for individuals with disabilities.

DVRS is the central agency for assisting people with disabilities to connect with employers. Individuals are encouraged to connect with local DVRS offices positioned throughout the state to meet with counselors who will work with them to find, obtain and keep the right job. Last year, DVRS placed more than 3,800 individuals with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment with an average wage of nearly $14 per hour.

Employers and jobseekers interested in learning about the programs and services offered by DVRS can:

• Visit: careerconnections.nj.gov/DVRS

• Email: [email protected]

• Call: (609) 292-5987 or (609) 292-2919 (TTY)

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