NYAPRS Note: Here’s some televised coverage about Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order regarding employment for People with disabilities. See Liz Benjamin’s interview with NYSRA’s Michael Seereiter at
http://images.capitalnews9.com/media/2014/9/18/video/17376232_WEB_CT_Michael_Seereiter.mp4
Cuomo Executive Order Aimed At Boosting Employment Of Disabled
Capital Tonight September 17, 2014
An executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday would create a new commission designed to boost employment among those with disabilities.
The Employment First Commission would seek to help the disabled find jobs and also register 100 businesses that have formal policies to hire people with disabilities as part of their overall hiring practices.
“Equality and inclusiveness play a central role in the history of New York State, and today we are continuing that legacy by standing up for the employment needs of people with disabilities,” Cuomo said in a statement. “This Executive Order relays what we stand for as New Yorkers—it will help provide fair opportunities to all people, and I am proud to move our state forward by signing it.”
The executive order this afternoon was praised by advocates for the disabled, with many of them saying it will help close a gap on employment among those with disabilities.
The governor’s office says the employment rate for a disabled New Yorker between the ages of 18 and 64 is 31.2 percent compared to 72 percent for a person without disability.