Throughout the month of October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), several events are scheduled to celebrate the abilities of citizens with disabilities, including the WORK PAY$ Job Fairs.

Why are the 2011 Work pay$ Job Fairs important

Since 1945, Congress has nationally designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public about disability and employment. This year’s official theme is “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.” The national theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today's global economy.

There are 32.1 million people with disabilities in America, and their talents enrich our communities every single day. Yet opening the door to opportunity for many of these workers remains a challenge. This undermines the true strength of our economy and our nation. In the State of Louisiana, studies show that there are approximately 427,000 working-age individuals with disabilities; 295,000 of these adults are not in the workforce.

To that end, the WORK PAY$ Coalition, a consortium of agencies working together to increase the employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Louisiana, will continue building a long-term infrastructure that helps bring together employers with job seekers who have disabilities.

About the 2011 Work pay$ Job Fairs

The WORK PAY$ consortium blends resources with several agencies to host the statewide 2011 WORK PAY$ Job Fairs that are designed to help bridge the needs of the business community with the employment needs of citizens with disabilities who are job-ready and looking for work.

For employers the Job Fairs offer a Mini Symposium. These events provide participating businesses with information on a variety of employment-related topics. Employers also receive a complimentary breakfast or lunch.

For  job seekers the Job Fairs will feature various local employers with job openings. This year information sessions and seminars will include   Social   Security  counseling  from  the  Louisiana  Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (La-WIPA) Coalition.

Proclamation

Each year in Louisiana, the Governor issues a proclamation that recognizes the valuable contributions of citizens with disabilities to our state’s workforce. It also reaffirms the state’s commitment to breaking down barriers to employment. The goal is to achieve a society and State where individuals with disabilities are respected for who they are, celebrated for their abilities, and encouraged to realize their full potential and talent in order to achieve their dreams through employment.

2011 WORK PAY$ Job Fairs statewide partners

Click here for a list of agencies - Work Pay$ Members