America’s businesses often profit from their investments—in new technologies, in new markets and in new talent pools. By investing in workers with disabilities, public- and private-sector businesses are seeing the positive return on investment that results from hiring the right talent. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is annually celebrated throughout the country in October, and we are proud to recognize and celebrate the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities and the businesses that invest in them.

As national partners, the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN), U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) have joined together to create a series of success profiles to introduce you to just a few of the 4.9 million youths and adult workers with disabilities currently contributing to America’s workplace and economy.

The USBLN is the national disability organization that serves as the collective voice of over 60 Business Leadership Network affiliates across North America, representing over 5,000 employers. RSA is recognized for its federal-state partnership with the 80 state vocational rehabilitation agencies that provide services in each of the states, the District of Columbia and the territories to approximately 1 million individuals with significant disabilities each year. CSAVR is composed of the chief administrators of the public rehabilitation agencies serving individuals with physical and mental disabilities in the States, the District of Columbia, and the territories. Through CSAVR, the National Employment Team (The NET) was formed creating a coordinated approach to serving business customers through a national VR team that specializes in employer development, business consulting and corporate relations.

During the month of October, in celebration of DEAM, we would like to share a series of success stories. These stories demonstrate the determination, innovation, partnerships and collaboration that make an impact on the lives of the individuals, families, and businesses.