Lt. Gov. Crouch Urges Employers to Hire Hoosiers with Disabilities

20 Aug Lt. Gov. Crouch Urges Employers to Hire Hoosiers with Disabilities

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch today urged Indiana employers to solve their workforce crisis by hiring individuals with disabilities. Crouch made her comments during a visit to New Hope of Indiana in Indianapolis as part of her Inauguration Celebration.

“Nationally, the unemployment rate for individuals with developmental disabilities is over 70 percent,” Crouch said. “Right now, as I travel the state, I see more ‘Now Hiring’ signs than I have in my entire career as a public official. And people with disabilities are ready to step up and rejoin the workforce to bring Indiana to its most prosperous place in years.”

Crouch urged businesses and community leaders to reach out to local service providers and form partnerships to address their workforce needs by learning how individuals with disabilities are a reliable, enthusiastic, talented workforce that is too often overlooked.

Crouch was also presented with a Special Advocate Award from INARF, the state’s association for providers of services to people with disabilities.

“The Lieutenant Governor has been an incredible advocate for Hoosiers with disabilities and their caregivers,” said New Hope of Indiana CEO Allison Wharry. “She was instrumental during the last legislative session in the successful fight for higher wages for those who care for our state’s most vulnerable citizens. She is a true champion for the disability community, and we could not be more grateful.”

During today’s event and tour of New Hope, artisans with developmental disabilities presented Lieutenant Governor Crouch with handmade gifts and a basket of “kindness rocks” for Crouch to leave in locations around the state during her travels.

New Hope provides community-based residential services throughout Central Indiana and a variety of therapy, day, vocational and transition services to more than 400 individuals with disabilities every year.

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