Press release/provided photos
BATAVIA — People with disabilities play a vital role in strengthening the workforce and encouraging employers to build inclusive employment practices.
This is celebrated every October as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month whose theme this year is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
Matt Barber, who works at Wegmans in Geneseo through Arc GLOW’s supported employment program, said having a job has been life-changing. When he first started working at Wegmans, Barber was in the dish room full-time before becoming a member of the Helping Hands team.
“It can be a struggle, but I’m maintaining it really well,” he said. “It’s fun, hard work, a lot of responsibilities.”
Tyler Nunnery works as a baker’s assistant at Hans’s Bakery on Main in Medina through the supported employment program. He’s been at the location for a decade, and for the first nine years worked for Mary Lou Tuohey at the former Case-Nic Cookies. Tuohey said he started working for her when he was in the culinary BOCES program.
“When he was done with that and graduated, I hired him because he did such a great job coming in,” she said.
Hans Rosentreter, owner of Han’s Bakery on Main said he has known Nunnery for about 25 years as the two went to school at the same time. He said when he purchased the building from Tuohey, it was important to keep Nunnery as part of the business.
“I need somebody that knows how to do things that has been done for all those years, and he was the person to do it,” he said. “He’s shown us things, and we’ve shown him things. It’s a perfect combination.”
Nunnery said his favorite part of working at Hans’s Bakery on Main is scooping out the cookie dough. He loves the chocolate chip cookies, and works Thursday and Friday.
“Tyler has brought a sense of joy to the place. He walks through the door, and if anybody has a bad day going on, it’s instantly uplifted with Tyler’s smile or a chuckle,” Rosentreter said.
Rosentreter encourages business to hire someone with a disability because it helps them and it helps your business at the same time.
“People we support are making a meaningful difference in local businesses every day,” said Kellie Kennedy, Arc GLOW vice president of Day and Employment Services. “Employment not only builds skills and independence, but it also creates a stronger, more connected community.”
Arc GLOW partners with dozens of employers throughout the region, offering job placement, training, and ongoing support to ensure success for both employees and businesses. These partnerships demonstrate that when workplaces embrace inclusion, everyone benefits.
“As we celebrate NDEAM, we want to thank our local business partners for recognizing the value that people with disabilities bring to their teams,” Kennedy added, “Together, we are creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to shine.”
Arc GLOW is a non-profit organization serving more than 2,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. Arc GLOW provides comprehensive services including residential supports, day programs, employment and vocational training, community services, and family supports.
For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org