OMRDD, Mayor's Office and Queens Chamber Slate Job Fair Aimed At Helping People With Disabilities

FLUSHING, QUEENS: (09/12/2008)(readMedia)-- Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter announced today that a job fair designed to stimulate employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities will be held October 24 at Queens College in Flushing, Queens, state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).

The Employment and Vocational Supports Fair will be held October 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Queens College Student Union Building, 4th floor ballroom, located at 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing.

The event is being coordinated by the Bernard Fineson Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO), the regional center for OMRDD programs in Queens, with assistance from Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a very exciting initiative because it will open up new vistas of opportunity for people who are dedicated workers and possess skills that can help companies grow here in New York,” Commissioner Ritter said. “Everyone comes out a winner – particularly the businesses and the people being hired.”

At the job fair, numerous Queens community organizations which support people with developmental disabilities will make information available that will help companies learn how they can hire people with skill sets consistent with their workforce needs.

The Bernard Fineson DDSO is now urging employers to register for the conference so that they can have their own information booths where prospective recruits can obtain information about job opportunities.

Jack Friedman, Executive Vice President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said: “There are many people ready, willing, and able to work who are stigmatized as developmentally disabled. The Queens Chamber recognizes that these adults can be productive members of the workforce, and the businesses that employ them can also benefit through numerous financial incentives and tax credit programs that come with these workers. Being involved with a job fair like this is not only the right thing to do, but a smart thing to do.”

Also at the event, the DDSO will honor employers who have demonstrated a commitment to employing people with development disabilities.

“Just like their neighbors in the communities where they live, people with development opportunities are eager to put their skills and talents to use and earn a paycheck in the process,” Commissioner Ritter said. “We will have an abundance of information available to explain the many incentives and benefits that exist for employers when they hire people with developmental disabilities. The goal is to put people to work and help them lead productive, independent lives – and help the companies at the same time by finding qualified candidates for available positions.”

OMRDD’s Employment Training Program can not only refer job applicants, but also pay their wages and cover state Workers’ Compensation insurance for up to 18 months. In many cases, employers do not have to obtain health insurance for people with development disabilities. Businesses can earn tax incentives and long and short term job coaching services can be offered to individuals with developmental disabilities.

About OMRDD

OMRDD provides high-quality, person-centered supports, services and advocacy to approximately 140,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. OMRDD works with a network of nearly 800 not-for-profit providers to help people with developmental disabilities lead richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and productivity and homes in their communities.

Employers seeking additional information about the fair may call Christine Buschhorn, Bernard Fineson DDSO, at 718-217-5534.

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