Westport Hosts National Disability Employment Awareness Event Friday

The following announcement is from the Town of Westport:

WESTPORT, CT — On Friday, October 28th, 2022, at 10 am at Westport's Center for Senior Activities in Westport, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport's Commission on People with Disabilities invites residents, businesses, employment services agencies, and disability advocates to attend a celebration marking National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month honors the contributions of people with disabilities to our country and serves as a reminder to eliminate barriers to employment. This year's theme, 'Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,' acknowledges the vital role that people with disabilities play in creating a strong workforce that reflects American society's diversity.

In March 2022, Westport launched a new collaboration between the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services, the Commission on People with Disabilities, and the local business community. "Employment is for Everyone" (www.westportct.gov/e4e) is an online platform for employers and job seekers that encourages and supports businesses in the recruitment, hiring, and advancement of people with disabilities in the workplace.

Friday's event will include coffee and donuts compliments of the Friends of the Senior Center, baked goods from Sweet P Bakery and the Porch, and a network of employment champions. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, accompanied by state and local officials, will highlight Westport’s commitment to employment for individuals with disabilities.

CPD Chair Jim Ross states, "On Friday, we will celebrate Westport's employment champions who are successfully employing people with disabilities and embracing a disability-friendly and inclusive culture."


Ross continued, "The celebration will also serve as a call to action to other employers to provide more job opportunities."


For more information about the Commission on People with Disabilities or Employment is for Everyone, go to www.westportct.gov/e4e or contact the Westport Human Services at 203 341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov or email members of the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities at copwd@westportct.gov.