Maria Shriver
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People with Special Needs

WE Include

We Hire, WE Work, WE Include

 

A Note from Maria

 

Arnold and I have made a commitment in California through our WE Include Initiative to give individuals with developmental disabilities a chance to excel in jobs that give them satisfaction and purpose.  

 

Many people often believe that those with developmental disabilities can’t work, but they do – in hotels, in retail stores, in restaurants, in state government, with non-profits and in the public and private sectors. One of our greatest joys has been witnessing and sharing in their triumphs as they gain confidence working alongside others in their community – and it’s been a resounding success.  We have individuals working in our State Capitol Office and in our field offices - the possibilities are endless and we have only just begun. 

 

So let’s work together to make this initiative a reality – It will only enhance the tremendous work you are already doing – I promise!

 

About WE Include

 

WeInclude represents the commitment of the Governor and First Lady to promote the needs of the developmentally disabled community in order to enable individuals to live an independent and fulfilling life through employment, education, awareness and financial empowerment. The First Lady is reaching out to private, government, non-profit and businesses across the state reminding them that disability is not an inability and we can turn disabilities into possibilities. 

 

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“On a daily basis, April McMahon’s enthusiastic efforts are helping our citizen services team quickly and effectively respond to the needs of hundreds of citizens who contact our administration to share an opinion or request information.  We are proud of April’s genuine commitment to public service, and we are honored she is our partner in the Best Buddies initiative.”

 

Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida

 

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Foster credits Maria Shriver as a hero for her commitment to individuals with special needs.  Shriver had the foresight to ask him to look at hiring someone from Best Buddies.  “I am delighted with David’s work.  It’s really, first of all, nice to have someone who is always pleasant.  When he’s working, he’s happy to be around people.  He just brings a real terrific energy to work.  We all tell each other we should be grateful for what we have, but here’s someone who really is, and he makes the most of it.”

 

Bob Foster, Mayor of Long Beach

 

 

Top Ten Reasons to Hire an Individual with Developmental Disabilities

 

  1. Individuals with developmental disabilities are reliable, dedicated, loyal workers with a positive work ethic.

 

  1. Employers experience low turnover and high retention from employees with developmental disabilities.

 

  1. Individuals with developmental disabilities have lower than average absenteeism, thereby increasing overall productivity.

 

  1. Individuals with developmental disabilities demonstrate high work productivity in a wide range of jobs.

 

  1. Individuals with developmental disabilities contribute to a positive and team-based work environment.

 

  1. Employees with developmental disabilities promote a positive corporate image that increases customer base and loyalty.

 

  1. Systems are in place to match employer needs with employee job skills.

 

  1. No-cost consultation and technical assistance is available to help employers hire people with developmental disabilities and provide on-the-job training.

 

  1. Federal tax incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities improve the employer's "bottom line."

  2. Hiring individuals with developmental disabilities promotes workforce diversity and is good for the employee, the business and society.
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