Governor Blagojevich Salutes Illinois Businesses that Employ People with Disabilities

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed October 2008 as Disability Employment Awareness Month and announced that his Administration will recognize numerous companies in October for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities.  

 

In the last three years, the Illinois Department of Human Service (IDHS) Vocational Rehabilitation program helped 15,165 people with disabilities become employed, an average of 5,055 people employed each year.

 

"More Illinois employers, both large and small, are finding that people with disabilities represent a proven workforce of dedicated, qualified and valuable employees," said Governor Blagojevich.  "We will continue to work hard to help people with disabilities find and retain good jobs in Illinois. Everyone has a right to go to work and support themselves and their families."

 

As Illinois' lead agency serving individuals with disabilities, IDHS helps people with disabilities prepare for and find quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. IDHS works closely with employers through its Corporate Business Partner initiative to match them with qualified individuals with the skills and qualities they need. The agency also offers a wide range of support services to assist eligible individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.

 

The percentage of people with disabilities, who received job placement services from IDHS, rather than through a contract agency, rose from 32 percent in FY2006 to 39 percent in FY2008.   

 

The 15,165 individuals who became employed through the IDHS Vocational Rehabilitation program work an average of 29.5 hours per week, and 30.1 percent receive medical insurance benefits through their employer. The average hourly wage earned by individuals employed after participating in IDHS Vocational Rehabilitation services rose from $9.41 in FY2006 to $9.79 in FY2008.  

 

Governor Blagojevich's Administration actively encourages businesses to participate in Disability Mentoring Day on October 15.  This day is recognized across the nation and allows employers to see first hand the value and diversity that workers with disabilities bring to the work place.  Job seekers with disabilities have the opportunity to learn about a variety of employment settings which can assist them in career exploration and job search.

 

"The most important part of a job search is the ability to network with people in the workforce,"

said IDHS Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. "Helping job seekers with disabilities develop employment networks can help level the playing field during their job search. This year the administration is working to increase the number of job seekers with disabilities who are involved in mentoring situations."

 

Recognition events are being organized by many of the department's field offices including those listed below:

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.   Independent Showcase 52 Community Agencies will distribute           information to General Public 

            1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Employer Fair 75 Area Employers will distribute information and            applications for current and future job openings for potential candidates.  Open to          General Public             

For more information about hiring persons with disabilities and other services provided by DHS/DRS, call 1-800/843-6154 (Voice) or 1-800/447-6404 (TTY).