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

61 Individuals Receive Governor’s Integrated Employment Award

October is Wisconsin’s Disability Employment Awareness Month

MADISON - Today, 61 individuals from across the state received the Governor’s Integrated Employment Award. The award is given to professional employment specialists that have completed a six-part training program in order to better assist people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.

“People with disabilities make significant contributions to our workforce, and hiring people with disabilities is good for the individual, the business and our state,” says Department of Health Services Secretary Timberlake. “Our economy depends on a diverse workforce – which includes highly trained people with disabilities. I extend my congratulations to all of the employment specialists who have completed this training to help support persons with disabilities in gaining employment.”

“The employers in our state are known for their progressive employment practices and we applaud them for recognizing the contributions of all our citizens,” says Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman. “Reasons to hire people with disabilities include the following: They have equal or higher job performance ratings, higher retention rates, and lower absenteeism. Diverse work groups can create better solutions to business challenges, and companies that hire and accommodate people with disabilities in the workplace can receive tax benefits.”

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.

The Integrated Employment Training was offered in three locations around the state: (1) Gateway Technical College in Racine, (2) Nicolet College in Rhinelander, and (3) Western Wisconsin Technical College in Mauston. The Governor’s Integrated Employment awards were given in conjunction with Governor Doyle’s declaration of October as Wisconsin Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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.

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Last Revised:  July 12, 2010