Inclusion Drives Innovation: Goodwill® Celebrates NDEAM 2021

As our economy works to recover from the effects of the pandemic, companies have a critical need for skilled and reliable workers of all backgrounds.

As Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin & Metropolitan Chicago celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, we encourage employers to consider hiring people with disabilities and to adopt inclusive policies and practices in the workplace. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that just over 21% of Americans with disabilities participate in the labor force. That compares with more than 67% of people in the general population. 

Goodwill wants to ensure that all Americans who want to work can work, and that they have access to services that enable them to do so. Further, people with disabilities are a dependable and valuable workforce who have higher rates of employee retention, which reduces hiring and training costs.

Our Goodwill team works hard each day to provide training, employment, and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages. We also partner with SourceAmerica and Disability:IN Wisconsin, who help us strengthen employment opportunities and improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. 

"We are excited to celebrate this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Laura Romens, Goodwill Director of Workforce Development. “We aspire for all people, including individuals with disabilities, to reach their highest potential, achieve their goals and build confidence through the power of work. We look forward to joining our partners, advocacy groups and employers around the country in honoring the contributions of workers with disabilities.”

For more information about our commitment to inclusive hiring, or to explore our current training, education, professional development and employment opportunities, check out our Goodwill Careers page.