Press Release

PUC Marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Urges Hiring of Individuals with Disabilities

Published on 10/31/2013

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the initiatives by the National Organization on Disability (NOD) to match individuals with disabilities to employers.

Almost eight in 10 of the more than 29 million working-age disabled individuals in the United States are unemployed. Further, a large percentage of the working-age disabled who are employed are underemployed.

The NOD, a private, non-profit organization, focuses on increasing employment opportunities for these individuals. “The NOD is seeking to reverse these numbers by partnering with employers, schools, the military, service providers, researchers, and disability advocates to deploy programs to increase the employment prospects for individuals with disabilities looking to enter or return to the workforce,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson in a statement. “This work is particularly important as thousands of wounded veterans attempt to transition to out of the armed forces and put their military training to work for private employers.” 

PECO Energy Co. and its parent company, Exelon Corp., recently began a program to hire individuals with disabilities. Powelson called the company a “trendsetter” on the issue and reminded everyone that you do not need to be a Fortune 150 company to make a difference in this area.

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for 2013 is "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task."

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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