Lamont Recognizes Nat'l Disability Employment Awareness Month

GREENWICH, CT — With the calendar flipped to October, it's time to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

NDEAM began in 1945 to highlight the contributions of the disability community to the workforce and the economy. The U.S. Department of Labor’s 2021 theme for the awareness month is, "America's Recovery: Powered by Inclusion."

On Friday, Gov. Ned Lamont was joined by local and state officials and advocates for an event at the Abilis-run Café at Greenwich Library to commemorate NDEAM.

Abilis is a non-profit organization located in Greenwich that provides services and supports over 800 individuals with special needs in the lower Fairfield County area.

The café opened up in late 2020, and employs about eight Abilis clients. Abilis also runs the concessions at Island Beach in Greenwich, and has a partnership with Coffee For Good on Maple Avenue. Next month, Abilis will open up a café at the Darien library.

Lamont and others highlighted the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement, particularly during the national recovery from the pandemic. Lamont also presented a proclamation to Abilis to recognize the month of October.

"What you're doing here in Greenwich, we're trying to take around the state, which is doing the right thing for people," Lamont said on Friday, holding a cup of freshly brewed raspberry hot tea that he purchased from the café.

"I just want to tell the employers that this is the right thing to do. These are amazing people," Lamont added. "Every day they step up and do the right thing, and I really hope you call Abilis and make sure they have relationships with employers all over the state. These are folks you need, you need them right now, and it means a lot."

Lamont explained how receiving a paycheck can be a confidence and self-worth booster.

"I remember when I got my first check. It means something," Lamont said, encouraging employers to hire and increase inclusivity. "I do hope you step up, and remember these folks right here."

Abilis CEO Amy Montimurro said the organization recognizes "the employment needs and the contributions of each person. We celebrate inclusion and continue to work to ensure that everyone has full access to opportunities of employment and community involvement."

She noted that café started off slowly, but as things have opened up more and restrictions have loosened, business has improved and there are regular customers coming in for a bite to eat or a hot cup of coffee.

"We're doing very well now," she said. "Our partnership with the amazing people at the Greenwich Library, led by [Director] Barbara Ormerod-Glynn, has been incredible, allowing us to provide training and meaningful jobs for people with all abilities," Montimurro added. "Opening during the pandemic had its challenges but we worked through it, and we enjoy serving our patrons each day."

First Selectman Fred Camillo urged people to come out to Greenwich Library and the café.

"What better place to be here to recognize National Disability Employment Month than at Greenwich Library and the Abilis Café. What better way to celebrate inclusion," he said. "It's just a great story, but also people love it here. If you haven't been here, please come for a sandwich or a coffee, or tea."

State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) said Abilis has "brightened up" the space, which looked more like a cafeteria in the basement before the building was renovated.

"It's so exciting to have them here operating such a wonderful café and also providing some great opportunities for some of our greatest citizens," he said.

Stamford mayoral candidate and State Rep. Caroline Simmons (D-144) was in attendance, and said she wants to bring the model of Abilis partnerships with businesses to Stamford.

"I think it shows just how much that individuals with disabilities have to contribute, how cherished they are as part of our community, and we need to do everything we can to build more inclusive workplaces and celebrate the honor and dignity of everyone in our community," Simmons said. She highlighted her work on bipartisan legislation that makes sure the state is incentivizing small businesses to hire individuals with disabilities.

"We'll be coming out with a plan for that this fall and we'll continue to work on this at the federal and state level," she said.

Department of Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said that as parents of children with disabilities, it's easier to advocate for them when they're little. As they become young adults, the task gets more challenging.

"I think that's why it's so important that we have organizations like Abilis," she said. "From birth through adulthood, they have an opportunity to make sure that the rest of the community understands that our able children and adults — they can succeed and thrive in sometimes in a way that others cannot."

Michelle Yoon, an employee at Abilis, said she enjoys interacting with the public.

"[I like] meeting the customers, serving them and meeting friends. They're happy to see me do well at the café," she said.

What's her best skill in the job?

"I'm good at everything!" she said with a smile.