I don't ask for very much action very often, but this is a good cause that my dad
forwarded me earlier this week. Please read the letter below and if you are so
inclined, join the fight to give people with disabilities opportunities just
like everyone else. Thank You!
Dear Best Buddies Supporter,
Last week, a landmark agreement was reached
between the Justice Department and Rhode Island, which will serve as a precedent
for years to come and bring a much-needed change in the other 49 states. Click
here for the article:http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/us/developmentally-disabled-get-more-workplace-protections.html?referrer
Doors once closed will begin to open for people with IDD to move forward as
contributing members of our vital workforce. Best Buddies is poised, at the
forefront of the supported employment movement, to maximize the opportunities
for people with IDD across the country.
Anthony K. Shriver visits
Best Buddies Jobs participant
Arjun Hemphill at the Audi of America Headquarters.
For over 25 years, Best Buddies International has focused its efforts on including
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
With the unemployment rate for people with IDD at 76%, we must work to engage
this group of workers. Today, our Best Buddies Jobs program has expanded to
eight cities in the U.S. and is now launching in several cities throughout
Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The goal of our employment program is
to continue our mission of inclusion in the workplace so that people with IDD
can share the same benefits as any work and experience the joy of being a
contributing member of our global workforce.
People with IDD are enormously talented, loyal, hard-working, and driven
individuals who can contribute to the workplace. Individuals with IDD are making
significant contributions every day to businesses small and large; they change
the landscape of corporate cultures positively. Their skills and abilities
can't be overlooked any longer.
I challenge corporations worldwide to hire people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. With outstanding resources and proper support, it
is an ideal time to invest in this incredible group of people to assist in
growing revenue, improving customer relations, and effectively managing your
operations.
Don't miss out on hiring this skilled, talented pool of workers. Please join me
in supporting the work of Best Buddies Jobs and fostering a bright future for
people with IDD to secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become
inspirational leaders, and make life-long friends.
With gratitude,
Anthony K. Shriver
Founder & Chairman, Best Buddies International