At Voya, we believe that all Americans deserve a secure financial future, especially those with disabilities who may sometimes struggle to be welcomed into the workforce.
To that end, Voya Financial, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) formed the CEO Commission in October 2018 to address how individuals with disabilities can meaningfully contribute to the future of work.
The missions of Voya Cares and the CEO Commission align to focus on helping all Americans move closer to the future they envision; meaningful, valued employment is an important step to achieving that future.
Join us and together we will address how individuals with disabilities can meaningfully contribute to the future of work. For more information, visit the CEO Commission website (opens new window).
Self-advocates tell what employment means to them:
Kayla McKeon
Kayla McKeon is working to change laws and attitudes as the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. As the manager of Grassroots Advocacy with the National Down Syndrome Society, she educates and inspires others.
As a motivational speaker with Down syndrome, Kayla draws on her experiences as an individual with a disability whose positive attitude inspires others to reach their highest potential.
“It feels so important to advocate for others, because they might not have that voice themselves, and the more we advocate our message, the louder we are,” she explains. “I hope I am helping to change things for future generations. I hope I am a role model for others just getting started in the advocacy journey. I have helped get laws enacted, which will positively affect others who have a disability or special needs. I hope with my advocacy, it encourages others to advocate for themselves.”
When she’s not changing laws for millions just like her, Kayla is a Special Olympics New York athlete. No matter what you give Kayla, a ball or a bill, she’s going to run with it.
David Egan
David Egan has always dreamed big. When he was eight, starting out as a Special Olympics swimmer, he dreamed of winning his races. As he grew, he looked to bigger goals having a job and finding ways to change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities. He has been living his dream — and inspiring others to live theirs. David has been working in a competitive job for the past 20 years, first with Booz Allen Hamilton as a clerk in the Distribution Center, then as a facilities coordinator for CBRE at the same Booz Allen Hamilton facility. He currently is a Community Relations specialist at SourceAmerica.
David is an eager advocate for people with intellectual disabilities at the local, national and international level focusing and imagining the possibilities.
“I am grateful, and in my 39 years, I have been blessed with many opportunities to succeed and be a leader, changing attitudes and perceptions while at the same time raising expectations for people like me,” David said. “In my view, we still have a long way to go to protect our human rights. No matter our disability, we are citizens that matter. We should be valued and given the same opportunity as anyone else to pursue our dreams and reach full potential.”
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and CEO Commission for Disability Employment are not members of the Voya® family of companies.
Products and services offered through the Voya® family of companies.