Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce, Maryland is recognized as an Employment First State for its practices in offering supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This designation denotes that as students exit special education programs and adults access services, their provider agency focuses on assisting them with applying their passions, talents, and interests into locating jobs where they can meaningfully contribute to their communities and earn a paycheck and benefits equal to all others who are employed to do the same tasks.
The ability to cultivate communities to champion Employment First practices begins with public schools educating students to their full potential, training and access to higher education, provider agencies appropriately assessing and enhancing skills, and business leaders whose hiring practices include a desire to employ people with disabilities.
Research from The Institute for Community Inclusion demonstrates that there has been a 325% national increase, from 33,092 to 140,521, of people with disabilities who are working in competitive integrated employment between 1988 to the present. A study by the National Organization on Disability, found that 85% of consumers said they prefer to buy products or services from companies that hire people with disabilities.
Diversifying the work environment is positive for businesses because a diverse team is known to be more innovative,
productive, and adaptable to change. People with disabilities often exhibit strong attention to detail, dependability, and a strong work ethic. This fact was particularly evident during the pandemic. Many grocery stores employ people with disabilities, and it was these front-line workers that contributed to keeping our community’s basic services up and running. People with disabilities are applauded for the pride they take in their work.
Many Frederick County Chamber of Commerce members are already ambassadors for Employment First. Business leaders who want to commit to joining efforts can learn more about existing community partnerships and meet directly with a pool of talented job seekers, ready to put their skills to work at the EmployABILITY Showcase on May 13th at The Arc at Market Street.
The EmployABILITY Showcase will begin at 9:00 am with a friendly discussion on hiring people with disabilities and learning more about the on-the-job and behind the scenes support available to both the business and the employee. Typically, people with developmental disabilities have a job coach who provides instruction to the person while working. Job coaches also assist supervisors and facilitate inclusion among all employees while assessing the success of the employee to foster independence.
Following the forum, visionary business leaders and recruiters can meet directly with participants in a round-robin style reverse job fair where each person will host individual booths with resumes and other tools to demonstrate their skills. The reverse job fair portion of the EmployABILITY Showcase will take place at The Arc at Market Street from 10:00 am to noon.
The EmployABILITY Showcase is a collaborative effort coordinated by The Arc of Frederick County, Community Living Inc., Division of Rehabilitation Services, Frederick County Public Schools. Frederick County Workforce Services, Scott Key Center, Spectrum Support, and Way Station. Each agency supports educating students with disabilities and putting the investment of their education, training, and skills to good use in the local economy. The employment advocates are thrilled to have the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce join them as an ongoing partner this spring. Additional information can be found at: employabilityshowcase.com.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.