75% Employment Rate: Westchester Group Outpaces National Disability Job Standard

Workers with developmental disabilities in Westchester County now have access to a local support network that places 75% of job seekers into positions. This figure is nearly double the 38% nationwide average for similar individuals seeking work. Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester Foundation, confirmed these statistics on Friday, October 23. The organization currently supports more than 150 people who are actively working in the community.

The Arc Westchester announced these figures while honoring six local businesses at its Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast in Tarrytown. The event took place from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel. The group maintains partnerships with over 100 businesses that employ the individuals the organization supports. These employers received awards for their specific contributions to inclusive hiring practices.

City of Yonkers Office for the Aging received the Distinguished Partner Award. Compass Group was named the recipient of the Impact Award. Grapes the Wine Company earned the New Partnership Award, while Cintas received the Continuing Partnership Award. New York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health was recognized with the Employer Excellence Award. Jack Lambert, an administrative assistant at South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc., received the Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award.

Ellen Bloom, MPH, delivered the keynote address. She serves as Director of Community Affairs for New York-Presbyterian Westchester, New-York Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health, and New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. Tibi Guzmán, CEO of The Arc Westchester, noted that the organization relies on 100 companies that share its belief in diverse workplaces.

“We are grateful that this belief is shared by over 100 companies who actively employ people we support,” Guzmán said. She emphasized that the organization aims to help individuals thrive as valuable employees. The breakfast provided attendees with stories from both the workers and the businesses that hired them.

The event highlights the operational scale of The Arc Westchester’s Career Services program. Sponsorship funds for the breakfast support the organization’s efforts to educate potential employers. The group states that its goal is to help individuals earn an income and build a meaningful career.

The 75% placement rate reflects the outcome of these local partnerships. The organization identifies opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work. The awards ceremony closed with a focus on the 150 community workers and the 100 business partners that sustain the current employment network.