October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and Peckham, Inc. an award-winning organization recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, is taking a unique approach to making work "work" for individuals with disabilities by celebrating its client achievements.

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is to educate the business community about disability employment issues and celebrate the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

"For employers, NDEAM is not only about hiring people with disabilities, it's also creating a culture of inclusiveness and a workplace that supports diversity," says Mitch Tomlinson, President & CEO of Peckham, Inc. "At Peckham, we work to understand each individual, discover their talents and skills, and help them meet their work goals."

Peckham provides paid job training opportunities for nearly 2,000 individuals each day, 80% of those with one or more disabilities. These individuals work in one of its five social enterprises; Business Services (call centers), Supply Chain Solutions (warehouses) Manufacturing Services, Environmental Services, and a Farm.

In the last year, Peckham clients shipped 16 million items and 2.5 million yards of fabric, laundered nearly 850,000 pounds of garments; answered 5 million calls, cleaned 6 million square feet of space, sewed 53 million garments and planted and harvested more than 10 acres of crops and seasonal flowers.

"At Peckham, we don't focus on our disabilities; we focus on what we can do," says Julia Terrell, Peckham Client.

As one of the largest employers in the Lansing area, Peckham also partners with local businesses and organizations who want to create a more inclusive workforce that includes people with disabilities. Last year, more than 800 Peckham clients earned competitive community employment.

Peckham believes that people with disabilities should have every opportunity to become fully integrated into the communities where they live and work. Peckham is committed to working with employers to serve as a resource and solution to build an inclusive workforce that includes individuals with disabilities.

"We encourage all employers to make a concerted effort to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It creates a more inclusive society, one where each person regardless of ability, had an opportunity for greater independence, self-sufficiency, dignity and respect," says Tomlinson.

Contact: Shavonne Singleton, Outreach and Brand Manager
517.316.4129 | [email protected]

SOURCE Peckham, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.peckham.org