A Joint Release from the Department of Health Services and the Department of Workforce Development

CONTACTS: 
Stephanie Marquis, Department of Health Servcies,
608-266-1683
Dick Jones, Department of Workforce Development,
608-267-4780

60 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE GOVERNOR'S INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT AWARD

MADISON - Today, 60 individuals from across the state received the Governor's Integrated Employment Award. The award is being given to professional employment specialists that have completed a six-part training program in order to better assist people with disabilities in the communities in obtaining and maintaining employment.

"Congratulations to all of the employment specialists who have completed this training. It helps expand their knowledge and skills to support persons with disabilities in gaining employment," said Department of Health Services Secretary Timberlake. "People with disabilities make significant contributions to our workforce, and hiring people with disabilities is good for the individual, the business and our state."

"As state labor secretary, I applaud the award winners and welcome their participation in our efforts to help people with disabilities gain employment and become self sufficient," Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman said. "Working together, we can build on the successful efforts of DWD's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Last year, DVR helped 3,165 people with disabilities enter employment. We estimate their average annual earnings will exceed $53 million, more than double the investments made in serving them."

The Integrated Employment Training was given at the Appleton Fox Valley Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Milwaukee Department of Vocational Rehabilitation - Chase Street and Goodwill Industries - 91st Street in Milwaukee. During the six-part training program, employment specialists learned about person-centered employment planning, cultivating relationships with businesses, and the tools needed to assist and support both the person and business in maintaining employment.

For completing the six-part course, individuals received the Governor's Integrated Employment Award, which is sponsored by the Department of Health Services, Department of Workforce Development, the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the Wisconsin Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE).

Governor Doyle has declared October as Wisconsin Disability Employment Awareness Month, in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's national theme is "America's People, America's Talent America's Strength." Approximately 400,000 Wisconsin citizens of working age report having a disability.

There are a number of reasons to hire a person with a disability, including:

• People with disabilities have equal or higher job performance ratings, higher retention rates, and lower absenteeism. 
• Employees with disabilities can relate better to customers with disabilities, who represent $1 trillion in annual aggregate consumer spending.
• Diverse work groups can create better solutions to business challenges.
• Companies that hire and accommodate people with disabilities in their workplaces can receive tax benefits.

If you have a disability and would like assistance in finding employment, contact your local county, tribal or Aging and Disability Resource Center for more information. Employers can contact the local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office to help identify people with disabilities in your community that are looking for employment.

Below are the individuals that received the Governor's Integrated Employment Award:

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Last Revised:  July 12, 2010