Disability Pride is a Foundational Pillar at Goodwill | CEO Column

Across the nation, July is recognized as Disability Pride Month, which is a time to honor the history, achievements, and unique experiences of people with disabilities. For Goodwill, it’s a time to reflect and reaffirm our commitment to a workplace where every single individual is empowered to thrive.

This year’s theme is “The World Works Better with Us,” and I couldn’t agree more. Goodwill is a proud participant of the AbilityOne Program, a federally funded program designed to employ people who have a documented health disability requiring accommodation. Nationally, the program creates employment opportunities for approximately 41,000 individuals with disabilities – including more than 2,700 veterans with disabilities through nonprofit agencies that contract with the federal government. Within Goodwill’s Business Services unit, we employ 351 team members under the Ability One Program who provide essential services for our joint bases.

For us, providing meaningful, stable, and rewarding career opportunities to individuals who have historically faced immense barriers to entering the workforce is fundamental to who we are. Witnessing the dedication and pride our team members bring to work every day is a constant reminder of the potential that exists when individuals with disabilities are included, respected, and supported.

However, providing a job is only the first step. True inclusion means ensuring that once someone is through our doors, they have everything they need to succeed. That is why we place a heavy emphasis on equipping team members with the tools and training needed to be successful. Whether an employee requires a modified workstation or flexibility with their schedule, we work closely with our team members to identify and implement the specific adjustments necessary to eliminate barriers.

Furthermore, we recognize that professional success is deeply intertwined with personal well-being. To provide a truly holistic support system, we are proud to offer access to life skill coaches. From navigating workplace dynamics and setting professional goals to managing personal organization and balancing life’s daily demands, our life skill coaches provide the foundational support that helps team members build long-term independence and resilience.

This month, we ask other businesses and organizations to join us. When we celebrate Disability Pride Month, we celebrate a stronger, more capable, and more compassionate workforce. We are celebrating the fact that our differences make us better, and inclusion of others can make all the difference.

Carlos J. Contreras III is President & CEO at Goodwill San Antonio

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