Job Readiness Collaboration Takes to the Field
A guest post from NYSID, Inc.
NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) works to create job opportunities for the often-underserved workforce of individuals with disabilities. At NYSID, we believe that “A Job Can Change Everything.” We invest in people by creating meaningful employment opportunities that connect individuals to better lives.
“A job can change everything: the way you view yourself, your capabilities, and your fit and impact on the world around you,” says Maureen O’Brien, NYSID’s president and chief executive officer. “And those who want to work should be given the opportunity to do so to achieve their highest potential.”
Through NYSID’s membership network of rehabilitative employment centers and community partners, as many as 6,000 individuals with disabilities are connected to training, jobs, and paychecks annually. The diverse individuals in this talent pool, including Kevin at Lifetime Assistance who has been active with Special Olympics NY, appreciate being employed. Kevin says, “I look forward to coming to work here every day. I want to keep working hard and I like to see my paycheck grow.”
NYSID is a facilitating agency for New York State’s Preferred Source Program, which was established in 1975 to advance socially responsible purchasing. NYSID’s tagline, Purchasing That Powers Employment reflects how purchasing through NYSID creates employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, a recent Rockefeller Institute of Government report highlights the impact NYSID makes on New York State’s economy: the economic output for every individual hour worked on a NYSID contract is $86.00, adding $368.9 million to the state’s economy.
NYSID recently joined forces with Special Olympics New York to create a program to empower athletes through job readiness, a complement to the Athlete Leadership Program. NYSID’s “Teaming Up For Workplace Success” initiative will harness our Member Agencies’ expertise in training individuals for workplace success, such as assessing interests and skills, interviewing, creating a resume, and more. The four-week program will take place at our Albany headquarters and is tentatively scheduled for September 2020.
“Together, NYSID and Special Olympics New York are removing boundaries for people with disabilities and putting them in a position to lead a higher quality of life, not only for themselves but for those around them,” says Maureen O’Brien. “NYSID’s support of Special Olympics New York is the beginning of a powerful long-term partnership between our organizations, one we are proud to have in place ahead of its 50th anniversary.”
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