Gov. Markell, Department of Labor, honor businesses for hiring people with disabilities

Dover, DE — Gov. Jack Markell joined the Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) at Dover Downs to celebrate workplace inclusion by honoring the value and contribution of employees with disabilities and employers who hire them.

“Each year we are proud to honor businesses in our State that have created workplaces that are inclusive of employees from diverse backgrounds as well as those with disabilities,” said DVR Director Andrea Guest, referring to the Dec. 12 event. “We also recognize employees with disabilities who have persevered and overcome barriers to achieve success in the workplace.”

Workplace inclusion is about fostering a culture of diversity that includes hiring people with disabilities.  Employers who create a culture of inclusion gain value by increasing creativity and knowledge including building a united strength to solve today’s complicated business challenges to attain success.

The businesses honored in each county included U.S. Security Associates, Inc. in New Castle, the Delaware Technical Community College at Terry Campus’ Department of Administrative Services in Kent County, and the Pizza King Restaurants in Sussex County. Employers are honored for their achievements to match the right person for their company’s needs based on the person’s skills and abilities, experience, and the job requirements.

The employees honored from each county included an employee from Chesapeake Utilities who is also the President of the Self-Determination group at the ARC of Delaware.  DVR has helped each of these job seekers develop an individualized career pathway which may have included skills building, training, or education with the end goal being employment.

The State Rehabilitation Council is a consumer-driven organization of community, business, and industry members representing DVR Stakeholders.  Last year, DVR placed more than 1,204 people with disabilities into careers and jobs throughout Delaware and the country; more than 300 of those placed were students transitioning from school to employment.

The Delaware Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is committed to providing individualized services to employers and people with disabilities, developing career pathways that link qualified employees to jobs, resulting in greater independence and a more inclusive workplace.