FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jessica Hardesty, Director of Communications & Engagement, VGS
jessicahardesty@vgsjob.org
216-881-6008
________________________________________
VGS Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Highlighting the Value of an Inclusive Workforce
CLEVELAND, OH — October 2026 — VGS joins the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM.) NDEAM recognizes and celebrates the contributions of people with disabilities to our workforce.
VGS has proudly served people with disabilities for 136 years – helping them build skills, participate in training and work experiences, and attain employment. Realizing our vision for a community where each person with a disability reaches their full potential requires partnerships with businesses and organizations across the state of Ohio to amplify the value of individuals with disabilities to our workforce.
NDEAM was first established in 1945 as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities. Later, NDEAM expanded to a full month and evolved to include all people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, acknowledging the importance of increasing their access to jobs.
According to a 2023 study by Accenture, in partnership with Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), companies that actively employ and support people with disabilities outperform their peers. These companies experienced higher revenue, profit, and an increased net income. At VGS, we see the transformative power that employment can have for individuals with disabilities and the positive impact their inclusion has on businesses, co-workers, customers, and the larger community.
Susie Barragate, VGS President & CEO remarked: “Individuals with disabilities belong in our workforce. It’ not only opens doors to independence for them but boosts businesses’ bottom line. I see, every day at VGS, how inclusive hiring is a win for both the individuals we serve, but also a huge win for our partner employers.”
As VGS recognizes NDEAM throughout October, we encourage employers, community leaders, families, and individuals to consider how they can help create workplaces where individuals with disabilities have opportunities to contribute, grow, and succeed.
To learn more about partnering with VGS or supporting inclusive hiring initiatives, visit vgsjob.org.
About VGS: The VGS mission is to create pathways for individuals with disabilities to engage in the community, achieve greater independence, and attain employment. Founded in 1890, VGS has served Ohioans with disabilities for 136 years. VGS programming includes day and vocational services, small group employment, job placement services, and summer youth work experiences.
###