National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Over the past two years we have witnessed a critical need for skilled and reliable workers. A robust workforce is a key element to a healthy economy, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that those who want to work, have the opportunity to do so. 

Our mission at Goodwill West Texas is to provide opportunities for people with barriers to employment, and that includes individuals with mental and physical disabilities. In fact, more than 60 percent of our 350+ employees have an identified barrier to employment. As we approach our 40th year of operation in West Texas, our business is proof that people with disabilities are a dependable and valuable part of the workforce.  

At Goodwill, we have seen that we often have the highest retention rates among our employees with disabilities. During our annual service awards this year, we recognized four employees for more than 20 years of service, three of whom identify as having a disability.  

In other cases, Goodwill provides a wide range of support services to people with disabilities, including occupational skills training, job readiness and soft skills training, and job search and placement services. Whether our employees find long-term employment with us, or use the experiences they learn at Goodwill to find professional fulfillment elsewhere in the community, we’re proud to play a role in their journey. 

As we enter National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, Goodwill West Texas calls on local employers to do three things: consider hiring people with disabilities, adopt inclusive policies and practices in your workplace, and celebrate the contributions made by your workers with disabilities.  

We invite you to come visit us at our administrative offices and see our mission in action for yourself. Let’s talk about how we can partner to ensure that every member of our community who wants to work has the means and support to contribute to a healthier Abilene. 

Rick Waldraff 
President & CEO
Goodwill West Texas