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Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. has proclaimed October 2012 as “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” in the Virgin Islands to encourage people in the territory, and especially employers, to support disabled members of the workforce.
This year’s theme— “A strong workforce is an inclusive workforce: what can you do”—provides the opportunity for all Americans to recognize the tremendous value and potential of people with disabilities and to recommit and dedicate ourselves to the employment, integration and full inclusion of every one of our citizens with disabilities.
“Independence and self-reliance are incredibly important to people with disabilities, and it is inspiring to see Virgin Islanders with disabilities tearing down many of the barriers which have limited their opportunities for educational and economic advancement,” deJongh said.
In 1945, the United States Congress designated the first week in October of each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Upon its establishment in 2001, the Office of Disability Employment Policy within the U.S. Department of Labor assumed responsibility over National Disability Employment Awareness Month and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.
The territory’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program, administered by the Department of Human Services, is a federally funded program offering practical assistance to the disabled to facilitate employment. The program partners closely with the Department of Labor and the private sector to help create employment opportunities for this group of people. Annually, 465 clients are served through the program, and each year 50 of these individuals achieve their goal of competitive employment.
Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, clients have obtained jobs as sales clerks, maintenance workers, cashiers, data entry clerks, security officers, teachers, public transportation drivers, fashion designers, and graphic artists. Some have become entrepreneurs and opened their own businesses.
Despite the downturn in the job market, this year the Vocational Rehabilitation Program successfully facilitated employment for 55 Virgin Islanders with disabilities or assisted them to minimize barriers to preserve current employment. More and more disabled people are assuming positions of leadership and responsibility in the Virgin Islands and throughout the nation.
“Technological advances made in recent years have helped to eliminate many of the physical barriers that once prevented disabled people from participating fully in the social and economic life of their communities,” deJongh said.
To further advance this cause, the Department of Human Services is sponsoring several events in October. A “Mentoring Day” will be held on Oct. 18, to train volunteers to mentor people with disabilities.
Later in the month, business events will support the cause of advancing the professional lives of the disabled, including a Business After Hours on October 25th at the Windward Passage Hotel outer court; recognition Ceremonies on Oct. 29 at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort on St. Thomas; and on Oct. 31 at the Palms at Pelican Cove on St. Croix.
The following government agencies and private-sector businesses should be commended for employing individuals with disabilities in 2012: the Virgin Islands Departments of Police, Labor, Human Services, Health, as well as Schneider Regional Medical Center, Tropical Shipping, V.I. Association for Independent Living, Wendy’s, Plaza Extra, Panda China, Corporate Source, Lutheran Social Services, Napoleon Pizza, Glidden Paint, McDonalds, GNC Corporation, Regional Library for the Visually Handicapped, AAA Taxicab & Tour Services, and Denzil Clyne Car Rental. These employers will be recognized at the Vocational Rehabilitation Program annual recognition ceremonies on Monday, Oct. 29, on the island of St. Thomas and Wednesday, Oct. 31, on the island of St. Croix.
Governor deJongh calls upon all Virgin Islands to do what they can to ensure that all the territory’s residents have the opportunity to learn, develop skills, engage in productive work, and participate in community life.
