My "Welcome Letter From The New Editor" for Solutions e-Magazine

Welcome Letter from the New Editor
By Kristen McCosh
October, 2007

At Hire Disability Solutions, LLC, we believe that employment matters. Employment is the driving force behind the American economy; it not only allows workers to earn a steady income, it often provides access to health insurance and options for a retirement plan. It is a vital part of everyday life. In fact, people who work full-time generally spend more hours at the office than they do at home interacting with their families.

But there is much more involved with employment besides the desk that you sit at from 9 to 5 every day. Employment opens doors to socialization and friendship; it offers recreational opportunities through company picnics and charity walks. Many corporations offer discounts to fitness centers, and some even have their own workout facilities on site. Vacation days are allotted – even encouraged – to allow for travel and adventure. And the list goes on and on: romance, fashion, education, transportation, technology – all of these things are employment matters.

These types of employment-related matters contribute to job satisfaction and play a crucial role in our overall outlook on life. “People feel happier if opportunities for friendship exist at work,” according to Christine Riordan, Associate Dean of the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian Academy. This is one of the main reasons that people with disabilities who are left out of the job market are more prone to isolation and depression. When they miss out on employment opportunities, they also miss out on opportunities to expand social circles, develop meaningful and lasting relationships, pursue education and master technology, and fully participate in all society has to offer.

There is an untapped pool of qualified job seekers with disabilities who have diverse experiences and are able and eager to go to work. The mission of Hire Disability Solutions is to give all who want a chance to succeed, the opportunity to succeed. The vision of Hire Disability Solutions is to ensure a society where individuals with disabilities have an equal chance to succeed in the workforce.

Employment matters, especially to people with disabilities, and that’s why Hire Disability Solutions is here. But the issues that are associated with employment also matter. And that’s why I’m here. I am the new Editor of Solutions, the monthly e-Magazine of Hire Disability Solutions, LLC. I have a disability and have been employed for a long time, so I have experienced many of these things first-hand. I will be writing a new column each month called “Working Matters,” which will focus on the work-related issues that contribute to overall happiness and wellbeing, especially as they apply to people with disabilities.

I encourage input from readers on topics you would like to see us write about. Feedback and “Letters to the Editor” are always welcome. It is with great joy that I look forward to discovering what matters to you.

Sincerely,

Kristen McCosh