Westport Announces “Employment is for Everyone” with Local Businesses and Organizations

Town of Westport:

On Tuesday, March 29 at 10:30 am at Westport Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue), First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport's Commission on People with Disabilities invites residents, businesses, employment services agencies, and disability advocates to help kick off an inclusive employment initiative in Town. 

Westport's “Employment Is For Everyone” is a new collaboration between the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services, the Commission on People with Disabilities (CPD) and the local business community whose mission is to encourage and support business in the recruitment, hiring, and advancement of people with disabilities in the workplace. 

The Commission hopes to help cultivate a disability-friendly and inclusive culture by providing guidance and resources for employers and employees to get the support they need to succeed.

According to CPD Chair Jim Ross, “Westport already has several businesses successfully employing people with disabilities and embracing a disability-friendly and inclusive culture. These employment champions should be celebrated, and their best practices shared with the greater business community.”

Ross continued, “The truth is that countless qualified workers with disabilities are eager and ready to work. This workforce population offers tremendous benefits to their colleagues and the businesses that they serve.”

With support from Town and business leaders, the Commission has partnered with regional disability employment organizations to create an online platform known as the “Employment Gateway,” which provides a job board, resource guide, and hands-on support for any individual or business seeking assistance in enhancing inclusivity among their workforces. 

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, who was instrumental in creating “Westport Means Business” and “Choose Westport” platforms, recognizes the value of this initiative and is eager to promote the project in Town. Tooker said, “Studies show that employers who are disability-inclusive realize increased profits and greater consumer loyalty.”

Tuesday's event will highlight the power of collaboration between the Town, business leaders, and other organizations to offer a competitive and inclusive employment model for Westport.

The website will be launched after the event and can be found at www.westportct.gov/e4e.  For more information, contact the Westport Human Services or Commission on People with Disabilities at 203 341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov  or email Westport Commission on People with Disabilities at copwd@westportct.gov