Nearly 200 turn out as The Arc Westchester honors employers championing inclusive workplaces

Tarrytown NY Nearly 200 business leaders, elected officials, families and advocates filled the Sleepy Hollow Hotel for The Arc Westchester’s 2026 Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast and Awards Ceremony. The morning celebrated the local businesses that open their doors to employees with developmental disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The Arc Westchester, the largest organization supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families in Westchester County, works with nearly 100 employers across the county. Together, they employ more than 150 people with developmental disabilities in jobs throughout the community. The program has recently expanded to offer internships in county offices through the Partnership for Inclusive Internships as well.

Keynote speaker Ellen Bloom, MPH, director of community affairs for NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester, NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, spoke about the value and impact of the program to everyone involved. Guests also heard from employees and employers about what inclusive hiring has meant in their workplaces.

The Lagond Music School students performed for guests as they arrived, adding a wonderful touch to the morning.

The 2026 Award Recipients

Distinguished Partner Award – City of Yonkers Office for the Aging

Impact Award – Compass Group

New Partnership Award – Grapes the Wine Company

Continuing Partnership Award – Cintas

Employer Excellence Award – NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health

Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award – Jack Lambert, administrative assistant, South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc.

“The Arc Westchester is dedicated to identifying opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work and thrive as valuable employees. We believe that diversity of talents, voices, skills, and personalities makes for a stronger workplace. We believe the more than 200 people joining us for this breakfast  agree,” said Tibi Guzmán, CEO of The Arc Westchester. 

“We are proud to say that The Arc Westchester has a 75% employment rate for people with developmental disabilities who are seeking employment, compared to the 38% nationwide average. We offer opportunities to achieve employment, earn an income and build a meaningful career,” said Barry Clark, executive director of The Arc Westchester Foundation.

The Arc Westchester thanks the sponsors who made the breakfast possible: NewYork-Presbyterian, Regeneron, The Mines Press, Zaro’s Family Bakery, and By the Way Bakery.

Businesses interested in hiring through The Arc Westchester’s Career Services program can learn more at www.arcwestchester.org.

The Arc Westchester is committed to ensuring that people with developmental disabilities have access to inclusive employment and opportunities to be active members of the workforce. With a wide range of programs and services, The Arc Westchester supports over 2,000 individuals and their families throughout the county, fostering independence, self-determination, and community participation. As a chapter of The Arc New York, The Arc Westchester is part of the largest and oldest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with developmental disabilities and their families.