NDEAM op-ed

By Brian Itzkowitz, CEO and President of Palmetto Goodwill

What if your next star team member is someone you didn’t realize is part of a qualified candidate pool? Did you know that people with disabilities made up about 13 percent of the US population last year? And a 2023 report by Accenture cites that in July of that year, the employment rate of working-age people with disabilities increased to 37% up from 29% in 2018.

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October, it’s an opportune time to educate yourself and your organization about the largely untapped potential of people with disabilities and the value they bring to the workforce. As one of South Carolina’s largest employers of people with disabilities and with our mission of providing equitable access to training, education, and employment, this year’s NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” resonates deeply with us at Palmetto Goodwill. For more than 25 years we have been a partner in the federal government’s AbilityOne® program and we provide hundreds of meaningful jobs and opportunities for upward mobility to individuals with significant disabilities.

Despite data that demonstrates the immense value that workers with disabilities bring to the workplace, their unemployment rate remains significantly higher than that of people without disabilities. Think of the opportunity for businesses to harness the unique strengths of a diverse, underutilized talent pool.

Employers of individuals with disabilities are often quick to mention the unique value these team members bring to the table. Problem-solving, creativity, and resilience are some of the skills they have developed throughout life navigating a world that isn’t usually designed for them or with their input. These are also the precise attributes businesses need to compete in an evolving job market.

We talk a lot about inclusion, but we must be intentional about ensuring our companies have broadened that definition to put workers with disabilities on their hiring radar. Companies that make disability inclusion a priority see impressive returns. The 2023 Accenture study also found that companies leading in employing workers with disabilities, “significantly outperformed their industry peers on productivity.”

The unique perspectives and adaptive thinking these individuals can contribute can lead to new efficiencies and breakthroughs in process improvement and business operations. But beyond the day-to-day business operations lies something just as, if not more important – culture. An inclusive workplace not only improves morale; it strengthens the entire organization. By opening your doors to this talented workforce, you’re also opening up opportunities for deeper connections with your customers.

For workers with disabilities, meaningful work is more than just a paycheck—it’s about dignity, independence, and belonging. And when we seek out and place workers with disabilities, we’re not just filling positions—we’re building stronger, more resilient businesses and communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive – our vision at Palmetto Goodwill.

I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of hiring workers with disabilities. We know that many companies are eager to be more inclusive but aren’t sure where to start. That’s why, during this National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I’m extending a personal invitation to business leaders to connect with me or our team of employment specialists.

Palmetto Goodwill is here to provide the tools, resources, and support you need to create a more inclusive workplace—one that aligns with the theme of NDEAM 2024, “Access to Good Jobs for All.” Together, we can unlock the potential of workers with disabilities and build a future where everyone has the chance to contribute and succeed.

Let’s seize this moment to provide opportunities so that every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive.

Brian Itzkowitz

CEO and President, Palmetto Goodwill