During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities and recognize the importance of inclusive hiring and supported employment at Parkhurst and throughout the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group (ENPHG).
By providing meaningful employment opportunities, support, and inclusion groups for individuals with disabilities, we not only help remove barriers, but we also can help build confidence and connection, allowing people of all abilities to contribute their unique talents and strengthen us as a team.
Inclusive Hiring and Supported Employment
Across Parkhurst and ENPHG, we believe that inclusive hiring strengthens our teams by welcoming different experiences, fostering belonging, and giving team members with disabilities the opportunity to build independence and purpose by sharing their talents and perspectives in the workplace.
In addition to inclusive hiring, supported employment also ensures that individuals of all abilities can contribute their different talents and perspectives while receiving the resources and support they need to succeed.
At the location level, supported employment helps increase team engagement, encourage collaboration, and create a workforce that reflects the local community. By recognizing the value and potential in every person, we can create a strong culture for connection and success across our many teams and locations.
Kayla Thomas, Director of Brand Marketing and creator and chair for the ENPHG inclusion group Abilities Alliance, explained, “Our accounts are built on people, and we have seen firsthand that inclusive hiring fosters a culture of belonging, strengthens team engagement, and reflects the communities we serve.” She continued to share, “Supported employment is about recognizing the value and potential in every individual and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
Inclusion Groups: Abilities Alliance
Abilities Alliance is an ENPHG inclusion group focused on celebrating individuals with disabilities and strengthening a workplace culture of inclusivity. Its purpose is to foster connections, provide education and resources, share experiences, promote allyship, and help break down barriers across the organization.
“The work of the Abilities Alliance has helped reinforce the belief that our differences make us stronger, and that inclusive hiring is not only good for individuals, but also strengthens our culture, our teams, and our business.” – Kayla Thomas
The Abilities Alliance reinforces Parkhurst’s and ENPHG’s commitment to inclusion, helping to create a culture in which unique abilities are recognized and valued. Through such inclusion groups, we are able to celebrate the differences that make our teams stronger.
This month, the Abilities Alliance’s commitment to inclusion and awareness is celebrated with their Teal Pumpkin Project. In preparation for Halloween and inclusive trick-or-treating, they organized the distribution of teal pumpkin kits with starter items that can be placed outside a home or office to show support for children and adults with food allergies or dietary restrictions. The teal pumpkin signals non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks, and crayons so everyone can enjoy the celebration safely.
Making an Impact
Caring for people is at the heart of Parkhurst, and this foundational value is brought to life everyday through our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Through inclusive hiring, supported employment, and inclusion groups like the Abilities Alliance, we recognize and support the potential of every individual. Not only does this help strengthen the workplace and our surrounding communities, but it also creates the potential to change lives, allowing individuals of all abilities to participate, grow, and succeed.
