Job fair opens opportunities to disabled workers

A community job fair cosponsored by the university will bring together people with disabilities and employers in the Madison area.

“Access to Jobs, A Community Job Fair” will be held at the Kohl Center, Wednesday, June 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The job fair gives employers a chance to access an often-untapped pool of qualified workers — people with disabilities. Space will be available to conduct interviews.

The event will introduce job seekers with disabilities to employers who are looking for qualified applicants to fill positions in their companies. There will be information about large and small private sector employers, public employers and employment service providers.

In addition to exhibitors, educational sessions target both employers and job seekers with disabilities. Sessions for job seekers are:

— 10-10:40 a.m., Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act information and updates. Presenters: Bob Monahan, Social Security Administration and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation staff.

— 11-11:40 a.m., Employment services and benefits counseling available to job seekers with disabilities in the Madison area. Presenters: Mike Greco, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Mary Ridgley, Employment Resources, Inc.

— Noon-12:40 p.m., rights and responsibilities as an employee. This session will discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Employment Law and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Presenter: Georgina Taylor, Department of Workforce Development.

Sessions for employers are:

— 10-10:40 a.m., Business Leadership Network. Learn how to get involved in a group that works to connect employers who have hired employees with disabilities to discuss disability employment issues. Presenters: Evan Adams, Wisocnsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation, and Mary Beck, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

— 11-11:40 a.m., Windmills training. This interactive training gives employers an opportunity to uncover the stereotypes, myths, biases and fears that can create barriers in their attempts to hire people with disabilities. Presenters: Jacqueline Nordbo and Charlotte Haglin, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

— Noon-12:40 p.m., rights and responsibilities as an employer. This session will discuss how the Americans with Disabilities Act and related legislation are opportunities, not threats, for employers. Presenter: Ann Smith, Department of Workforce Development

The panels will conclude with 1:45-3 p.m. discussion, “Successful Employment for People with Disabilities,” which will examine factors that can create successful employment experiences for people with disabilities and the employers who hire them. Moderator: Tony Castaneda, WORT 89.9 FM.

Free parking for people with disabilities will be available in Lot 88, accessible from Murray Street. Other parking is available in Lot 91, accessible from Frances, Bedford or Mifflin streets. Permits for Lot 91 can be purchased for $6 at Gate A of the Kohl Center.

For more information contact Nancy Kathman, (608) 266-6438, nancy.kathman@dpi.state.wi.us, or Bob Monahan, (608) 833-3852, bob.monahan@ssa.gov
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