Center wants more done to recognize disabled workers

Employment agencies around the Bronx are recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month. One center, Bronx Independent Living Services, says that more still needs to be done in hiring disabled

News 12 Staff

Oct 14, 2015, 12:38 AM

Updated 3,124 days ago

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Center wants more done to recognize disabled workers
Employment agencies around the Bronx are recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
One center, Bronx Independent Living Services, says that more still needs to be done in hiring disabled people in New York City.
"We have a job training program," says Brett Eisenberg, the center's executive director. "We help people get back to work. We help them apply to any benefits they may be eligible for."
Officials say the Bronx has the highest percentage of disabled individuals out of all five boroughs.
Of the 18 members of Eisenberg's staff, 80 percent of them have disabilities. Each year, they have about 50 people go through their training program and eventually end up in the workforce.
Eisenberg says that he believes employers need to be educated about the benefits of hiring disabled workers.
"Because there is such a big gap, once we get a job we are so loyal because we know the discrimination and how long it takes to get a job," he says.


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