Honoring National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Each October, The Arc of San Diego joins communities nationwide in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), honoring the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce. This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM, a milestone that reflects decades of progress toward inclusion and opportunity.
As San Diego County’s largest provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc of San Diego supports more than 2,000 people each year. Among them, over 350 individuals receive job training, placement, and coaching- opening doors to meaningful employment and independence.
One of those individuals is Sean Mooney, who has been thriving as a courtesy clerk at Vons for nearly three years. Known for his cheerful attitude and dedication, Sean helps customers bag groceries, locate items, retrieve carts, and keep the store clean. “I like my job because it’s good to help out other people,” Sean shared with a smile. His enthusiasm and reliability have made him a valued member of the team.
Angie Elsbury, Assistant Store Director at Vons, has seen firsthand the impact of inclusive hiring. “Sean is very precise and wants to do his tasks correctly. We count on him, and he succeeds in any area he is assigned,” she said. With the support of his job coach, Anthony, Sean has grown more confident and independent in his role, embodying the spirit of NDEAM.
The bond between Sean and his team goes beyond the workplace. When Angie learned that Sean was competing in the Special Olympics, she rallied friends, made custom shirts with his face, and traveled to Orange County to cheer him on. Sean proudly wore his medals and shirt to work the next day, and his achievement was celebrated on breakroom TVs across 330 Vons stores statewide.
“Sean’s dedication and enthusiasm not only bring immense value to Vons, but also highlight the incredible potential within our community,” Anthony J. DeSalis, Esq., President & CEO of The Arc of San Diego shared with GB Magazine. “He is a shining example of how inclusion empowers individuals to thrive.”
Vons’ commitment to diversity is woven into its culture. Gina Castro, Talent Acquisition Representative for the Vons SoCal Division, emphasized that inclusivity is part of their recruitment, training, and promotion practices. “We celebrate both individual and collective achievements,” she added.
The Arc of San Diego is grateful for Vons’ partnership and their dedication to fostering a workplace where individuals with disabilities can succeed. Sean’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity, and a reminder that when businesses embrace inclusion, communities grow stronger.
To learn more about The Arc of San Diego, visit www.arc-sd.com.
