The pandemic has been especially tough on people with developmental disabilities. 

Not only was there another Medicaid cut on October 1 which affects group homes, but the Center for Disability Services lost a state contract with the Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, and had to layoff 20 people with developmental disabilities.

Maureen O’Brien, president and CEO of New York Industries for the Disabled, is urging companies to employ people with development disabilities, and not as charity. 

"Companies succeed when they diversify their supply chain and employment pool, working with other companies that hire people with disabilities," O’Brien told Spectrum News. "Hiring people with developmental disabilities is good for your company’s bottom line."

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Capital Tonight’s Susan Arbetter spoke with NYSID’s Maureen O’Brien.