October is National Disability Employment Month, and this month we recognize and pay tribute to the differently-abled men and women who work with passion, care and dedication to contribute so greatly to the communities they serve.
People with disabilities have struggled with both unemployment and underemployment. Fortunately, this year we are able to celebrate with some important news.
Five months ago, New York state decided to forego a $55 million, five-year contract with the Center for Disability Services that would have provided services and employed some of our state’s differently-abled citizens. In July, the Division of Budget halted the contract altogether in a misguided attempt to save the state money, with plans to outsource this work out of state. With this proposed cancellation came 20 immediate layoffs, and 30 new jobs that wouldn’t be created.
My colleagues and I in the bipartisan Capital District Delegation knew that this was the wrong move, particularly for individuals that face a 67 percent unemployment rate. We signed a letter demanding the governor to intervene, held a press conference and called for a reversal of this decision and recently, our efforts were recognized.
Last week, the state Procurement Council approved extending the trial period for the New York State Industries for the Disabled, connecting nonprofits that employ people with disabilities to state contracts seeking mail fulfillment services with limited printing through the Preferred Source Program. In 1975, the Preferred Source Program (PSP) was created in an effort to help produce jobs for individuals with disabilities by securing government contracts through non-profits.
This allowed those with disabilities the ability to earn their own income and maintain independence, among other positives.
I am happy we were able to restore employment for the 20 men and women at Center for Disability Services, who perform their job duties well and in return gain not only wages but a sense of independence, worth, and dignity. We must recognize the importance of hiring and providing opportunities for differently-abled men and women. Not only do we benefit from the quality work being done, taxpayers and the state also benefit and save money.
It is a win-win situation we must continue to advocate and expand upon.
As we observe this National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we all should appreciate and acknowledge the differently-abled men and women who love their jobs—plain and simple. We recognize their dedication and accomplishments, while also remembering that we must do better to ensure equal opportunities for all New Yorkers. We will continue to fight for those who have given so much to us.
The spirit and hard work of those we recognize this month are the very essence of what we all strive to be as New Yorkers.
Assemblywoman Walsh represents the 112th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Saratoga and Schenectady counties. For more information, please visit Assemblywoman Walsh’s Official Website.
The Link LonkOctober 18, 2020 at 07:45PM
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Reader's View: Progress, but work needs to be done four our disabled workers - Troy Record
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