October 1st Launches the 2018 National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

America’s Workforce – Empowering All

Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2018 National Disability Employment Awareness Month  (NDEAM) theme is “America’s Workforce – Empowering All!” 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.

The Philadelphia “Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” Steering Committee is once again celebrating this event with a month of employment success stories. Each day we will be posting another success story about someone who is contributing to their community through employment. For those who have requested to receive our employment announcements, you will receive the link to the story in your mailbox. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the successes of people with disabilities working in our communities!

All Hands On Deck!

Cameron Getting Ready for Work
Cameron getting ready for work

Being part of a team that opens a brand-new business offers a level of comradery that is difficult to duplicate in the working world. Perhaps that’s why Cameron’s coworkers are always thrilled to see him, and quick to tell us that he’s “a rock star!” At the Hilton at Penn’s Landing, it was all hands on deck leading up to the Grand Opening in early 2018. Cameron was an integral part of the inaugurating crew, taking on a multitude of tasks from cleaning to assembling furniture as the team raced to prepare for the hotel’s very first guests. His hard work, flexibility, and commitment to being a team player earned him the distinction of being named Employee of the Month in April 2018!

Cameron’s job title is Engineering Assistant, which is a fancy way of saying that he wears many hats to ensure smooth operations and an enjoyable stay for each and every guest. This includes maintaining the air ducts, assembling/fixing furniture and appliances, changing light bulbs, programming the guest door locks, and detailed cleaning tasks such as polishing silver and cleaning vents. Beyond that, Cameron takes on the many special projects involved with keeping a luxury hotel in tip-top shape. At first, having different tasks each day proved challenging. As time went on, he became accustomed to learning things on the fly, and has developed excellent problem-solving skills as a result.

Beyond his wide-ranging skillset, Cameron has the attitude it takes to thrive in the hospitality industry; he is friendly, outgoing, sociable, and knows how to think on his feet. Here’s Cameron suited up and gathering supplies for today’s special project.

 – submitted by Community Integrated Services (CIS)