Board of Supervisors Recognizes Loudoun Employers for Inclusion in the Workplace

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has recognized three local employers for their commitment to accessibility and proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (PDF) in Loudoun County. The proclamation cites the 2024 theme for Disability Employment Awareness Month as "Access to Jobs for All," which ensures disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year.

At the October 1, 2024, meeting, The Board also honored the winners of the Loudoun Disability Services Board's FAIME-Full Accessibility and Inclusion: Moving toward Equity-Awards. The awards recognize businesses and organizations for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and career in an inclusive work environment.

This year's honorees are:

• BurgerFi: Through "Project Search," a collaboration between Loudoun County Public Schools and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the Leesburg restaurant hired two graduating high school seniors with disabilities, who were successfully trained and fully integrated into the restaurant's operation.
• Jackson Harlow Salon: Working with the Loudoun County Public Schools' Community and Schools Together program, the Sterling salon provided an opportunity for an internship to a student who had an interest in pursuing a career in cosmetology. The stylists at the salon were welcoming and worked to adapt to the student's needs to help teach based on the student's learning style.
• More Better Restaurant & Beer Garden: The Round Hill restaurant hired a young man with multiple disabilities and provided a supportive environment and worked with him so that he could successfully accomplish tasks within his ability, allowing him the latitude to try new things and to grow as a valuable member of their team.

The Disability Services Board is an at-large advisory body appointed by the Board of Supervisors to identify and advise county leaders on issues of importance to people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers to help make Loudoun County an accessible and inclusive community.

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