October is here, and once again we are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM). Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.
Please help us in highlighting the accomplishments of all people with disabilities who are employed or have their own business by submitting success stories. We had a great response last year, and are now in search of more great stories as well as updates!
Success stories can be submitted through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/666Z55P.
October 9, 2019: New Horizons – James Fonash
The windows have never sparkled so much at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel on City Avenue in Philadelphia. James Fonash sees to that. James was hired by Courtyard Marriott with the support of Barber National Institute’s Employment Program. For the 49-year old Philadelphia man, it’s his first real job — a milestone his parents thought they might never see. “All I know is he can’t wait to get up in the morning, put on his uniform and go to work,” says his father, James Fonash, Sr. “It is a new horizon for us. We just never imagined that we would see this day.”
“It’s hard to find team members who are excited and extremely proud to come to work every day.” states Laura Williams, head of HR at the Courtyard Marriott Philadelphia City Avenue. When James was first hired two years ago, he had some difficulty adjusting to his first job. With guidance from his job coach and the support of Marriott’s staff James became comfortable in his new role. James vacuums and cleans the windows on several floors of the hotel every day. He’s proud of the job he does and takes it very seriously.
~Submitted by Barber National Institute