October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which reminds the nation to honor and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers – past and present – who have triumphed over disabilities to become productive working members of our society. At Goodwill San Antonio, we are not only embracing this occasion, but also reaffirming our promise of ensuring differently-abled individuals will have an opportunity to put their skills and talents to work, paving a path toward building a stronger, more equitable workforce.

One such opportunity that Goodwill offers is through our contract services division, known as Goodwill Business Services, where we participate in the AbilityOne procurement program offered by the federal government. Through this program, we have created opportunities for disabled individuals to gain meaningful employment, financial independence, and a sense of purpose. Of the fourteen federal contracts we have been hired for, 87% of the workforce has a documented disability. This is a testament to our commitment to creating diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

However, our commitment does not end with providing good jobs. We understand that individuals with disabilities may require unique support to excel in their roles. This is why Goodwill is committed to providing a comprehensive range of benefits and services to all employees. From work accommodations to services/resources coordination, life skills counseling, and career pathways, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our employees have the tools and resources to thrive in their jobs and career aspirations.

One employee who comes to mind is Micaela, who works on the Quality Control team within Goodwill’s Automated Records Management System contract at JBSA-Randolph. Our team provided her with a custom one-handed keyboard/mouse integration so that she be empowered to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. It was not enough to just hire Micaela, but rather provide her with the tools and resources needed to be successful in the workplace.

As we celebrate and reflect on NDEAM, let us remember that empowering all individuals is not just a choice, but our collective responsibility as employers. Goodwill San Antonio encourages other businesses to join us in recognizing the talents and potential within every person, embracing diversity, and advancing access and a sense of belonging for all individuals.

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

Originally published on November 8, 2023 - Southside Reporter, Northside Herald