The Case for Hiring Employees with Disabilities 
By Guest Contributor Laura Kim, ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

ECNV is a non-residential community resource and advocacy center run by and for persons with disabilities. ENDependence’s offices are based in National Landing.  

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) , a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities past and present. In a place like National Landing—one of the nation’s fastest-growing business and innovation hubs— it’s the perfect moment to think differently about talent, inclusion, and the future of work. 

This year’s NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” marks the 80th anniversary of this important observance. At ECNV, we know that we go farther when all of us go together. Here’s why disability inclusion should be part of every employer’s growth strategy. 

A Workforce That Reflects the Community 

One in four adults in the U.S. has a disability. Some disabilities are visible (many people will picture a person using a wheelchair or a blind person using a white cane), but many are not—ranging from chronic health conditions to mental health and neurodiversity. A truly inclusive workplace recognizes this spectrum and builds empathy, understanding, and flexibility for all employees. Businesses that reflect their communities not only strengthen their teams, but also deepen trust with customers and neighbors. 

Talent Without Boundaries 

The disability talent pool is an untapped advantage for employers. Workers with disabilities bring skills, motivation, and lived experiences that offer fresh approaches to challenges, qualities essential in an innovation-driven economy like National Landing’s. Research also shows they often have higher retention rates and greater loyalty—key benefits in a competitive labor market.  

ECNV: A Resource for Employers 

Employers may feel apprehensive because of perceived complexities in hiring workers with disabilities, but they don’t have to figure this out on their own. As a Center for Independent Living, ECNV has decades of experience empowering people with disabilities to live independently, advocate for themselves, and thrive at work. We provide peer mentorship, skill-building, and advocacy training for individuals. And we partner directly with organizations and businesses to share resources, facilitate trainings and workshops about disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Our location in National Landing means we serve as a bridge: connecting a dynamic local economy with the vibrant disability community and community networks of Northern Virginia. Employers who want to hire, support, and retain workers with disabilities can turn to ECNV for local expertise and practical support. 

State partners such as the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, and national resources like the Mid Atlantic ADA Center, Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN) also offer tools to guide inclusive hiring and workplace accommodations. 

Looking Ahead 

As National Landing continues to grow, there’s a real opportunity to lead the way in disability inclusion. Hiring people with disabilities isn’t charity—it’s smart business. It builds stronger teams, sparks innovation, and connects companies more deeply to the communities they serve. 

At ECNV, we’re here to help employers take the next step. This NDEAM, let’s celebrate value and talent—not just in October, but all year long. 

On October 18, National Landing is proud to support Victorwear as they host their Empowerment and Employment Expo at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Victorwear’s mission—to empower through purpose and employment—aligns closely with our vision for a thriving, inclusive National Landing community. We’re excited to see organizations and partners come together to foster career growth and positive change in our region. Learn more and register here: nationallanding.org/do/victor-wear-expo

Laura Kim is the Policy & Advocacy Coordinator at the Endependence Center of Northern Virginia, where she works to empower people with disabilities to raise their voices and take part in advocacy at every level of government. She’s passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for civic engagement and inclusion.