Melwood Fosters Inclusion Through New Partnership With National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
October 31, 2019
UPPER MARLBORO, MD, October 31, 2019 – Today, Melwood CEO Cari DeSantis and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chairman John Ring attended a signing ceremony at NLRB Headquarters formalizing a new partnership aimed at creating a more inclusive workforce by expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in the federal government.
Melwood, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit employers of people with disabilities, has been working with NLRB for over a year to develop a sustainable, scalable, and replicable federal employment model that will allow people with disabilities a chance to prove themselves while earning vital first-hand work experience in the federal environment.
“NLRB’s investment in a more inclusive workforce is a model for all state and federal agencies,” said Melwood President and CEO Cari DeSantis. “Today we are starting with a handful of internship positions but we are eager to see this program grow and spread across local, state, and federal government organizations.”
Earlier this month, Melwood hosted the “Right Talent, Right Now: Breaking Workforce Barriers Summit” at George Washington University, which brought together experts from around the nation to highlight the benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace.
“We look forward to welcoming the participants from Melwood and know that this will be a mutually beneficial partnership,” said NLRB Chairman John Ring.
“The agency looks forward to welcoming these individuals and I know they will gain valuable experience working alongside the staff here at the NLRB,” said NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb.
About Melwood
Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers – nearly 1,000 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 2,500 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides employment and support services to veterans and active-duty military members who have experienced service-related trauma or injury. For more information, visit www.Melwood.org.
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