NEWS:   October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

For those that did not know, October is recognized across the country as Disability Employment Awareness Month. This month is a way for all of us to heighten public awareness about the skills and talents of workers with disabilities. I saw a poster the other day through the Department of Labor that read: "PROFIT BY INVESTING IN WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES." I really like this choice of words because I strongly believe we should never bring our message to the community about our services as a "charity." What we do is compelling and our responsibility. The facts tell us, especially from an employment standpoint, that people with disabilities are incredible workers and extremely dedicated in their jobs.

I had a chance to address some donors and employer partners last week and share with them the incredible work that Noble is doing to reduce the unacceptable unemployment rate for people with disabilities. Since July 2010, Noble has supported 133 new individuals in working in the community, including through our expansion into Eastern Indiana. The over 500 individuals who participate in our three employment programs collectively earned over $2.1 million in Fiscal Year 2011. Noble has implemented two Project SEARCH sites: at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital and at Riverview Hospital. The first year at St. Vincent Carmel culminated in a 60% placement rate. The interns who obtained successful employment after the completion of the program are earning an average of $10.61/hour.

I know this is Disability Employment Awareness Month, but employment will always be a key priority at Noble. This is a quality of life issue, and everyone deserves a chance to work. Thank you to all of our employment staff for what they do every day to make sure meaningful employment opportunities are available to the people we serve.