Disability Employment Awareness Month

For 22 adults, the dream of finding a job in the community became a reality this past year with help from the Supported Employment Program at the Barber National Institute. Those adults—and the 19 area employers who gave them an opportunity—were celebrated during an awards ceremony for Disability Employment Awareness Month on Friday, Oct. 20.

Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper presented a proclamation commemorating the month and the role that the Barber National Institute has played in assisting adults train for and secure community employment.

This year, individuals found employment in fields that include food service, hospitality, child care, janitorial and graphic design fields.

Three of these employers -- First Amendment Tees, Art’s Bakery and Bistro 26 -- were being recognized for exemplary efforts to place new employees in the work force.

Watch these three stories about how adults from the Barber National Institute's Supported Employment program are succeeding at their jobs!