Melwood Named a 2024 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability   

September 27, 2024

Melwood, a leading employer, advocate and service provider for people with disabilities, is honored to announce that it has been given the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal for 2024 by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). This esteemed award recognizes exceptional disability inclusion practices and policies.  

Melwood’s mission is to create a more inclusive world, and employment is a critical part of that. For more than 60 years, Melwood has been helping people with disabilities achieve economic independence through career exploration and development, job placement and training, and direct employment.  

“We are extremely proud to be named a Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability,” said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood. “We are committed to turning our words into action, actively demonstrating our dedication to inclusion at every level of Melwood. Today, we have 1,600 employees, more than 900 of whom have significant disabilities, and we serve as an expert in helping organizations and businesses build and sustain inclusive corporate cultures. This recognition highlights our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.”  

The Leading Disability Employer Seal is granted based on the NOD Employment Tracker, a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates key business practices related to hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. This accolade reflects Melwood’s disability inclusion efforts in workforce strategy, talent outcome metrics and sourcing, climate and culture, people practices, and workplace tools and accessibility.  

“We’re incredibly grateful to Melwood for their commitment to disability inclusion,” said Beth Sirull, Chief Executive Officer and President, National Organization on Disability. “We believe that diversity fuels innovation and growth, and Melwood embodies this vision in action. We applaud their efforts and investments to provide pathways to fulfilling careers for Americans with disabilities.”  

This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of industries and Melwood is incredibly proud to be among this distinguished group, remaining steadfast to furthering equity in the workplace and beyond.  

For more information about our commitment to disability inclusion and our efforts to support a diverse and equitable workforce, please visit Melwood.org.  

About Melwood: Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers – over 900 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 3,000 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides additional youth and community recreational services for individuals with disabilities.