Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Declaring October Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 13, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.

New York State has a long-standing commitment to supporting inclusive workplaces and has implemented innovative solutions to ensure disabled workers have better access to financial, health, and employment systems. These initiatives have empowered disabled workers to seek financial independence through employment, in turn decreasing unemployment and poverty in the disabled community.

"New York State is committed to ensuring its disabled workers have equal opportunities and are supported in the workplace and beyond,"

Governor Hochul said.

"We are committed to making sure those with disabilities are never overlooked, and that they have fair and quality employment options in this state. Let's celebrate our disabled workers this month and all that they contribute and do every day."

Throughout the pandemic, New York State has continued its work to support disabled workers, including those impacted by COVID-19 and navigating the long-term effects of the virus.

New York has also worked to support the disabled community through the Employment First Policy, which works toward decreasing poverty and increasing employment for the disabled community by registering businesses to have formal policies to include disabled people.

Additionally, Governor Hochul recently announced affordable supportive housing projects in cities such as Brooklyn and Buffalo. These housing developments include supportive services for those with physical and mental disabilities, allowing them to have an affordable place to live and greater accessibility to the disability services they need.

New York Pressroom

October 12, 2021