First New Jersey Governor's Conference on Employment for People with Disabilities

TRENTON— The New Jersey Department of Human Services' (DHS) Division of Disability Services (DDS) hosted “DiscoverAbility, the First New Jersey Governor's Conference on Employment for People with Disabilities,” at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, on October 11 and 12.

This conference, attended by 400 people, was presented as part of an ongoing public/private partnership that is focusing on the development of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It was funded in part by a federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Comprehensive Employment Services Grant.

“People with disabilities face barriers to employment that others simply may not face, beyond the fact that it is hard for them to find willing employers,” said DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez , in delivering the welcoming remarks. “Government alone cannot fix this problem and employers alone cannot be the solution.”

Commissioner Velez went on to say that there are many companies in New Jersey that employ people with disabilities and that government has a role too. She acknowledged the efforts of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and highlighted the efforts of DHS, including the New Jersey Workability program, which allows people who are working to keep their Medicaid benefits. Workability currently has 2,600 participants.

The commissioner also described two DHS websites to help people with disabilities in work related travel and benefits planning, www.njfindaride.org , which provides people with a comprehensive overview of public and private transportation options; and, www.njdb101.org , which is an internet-based website that individuals can use to calculate pre- and post-employment Medicaid benefits.

“And Governor Corzine's budget for this year included $3.5 million dollars for the Personal Assistant Services Program, which provides personal care services to individuals who are now working or who are seeking work,” said Commissioner Velez.

The conference also featured a keynote address by Ashley Lauren Fisher, a member of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation's Honorary Committee who raises awareness and funds for spinal cord research. Fisher, a former dancer, model, athlete and musician was rendered a quadriplegic at the age of 23 as a result of a diving accident eight years ago at the Jersey Shore . Fisher is co-owner of a four-star Italian restaurant, is opening her second restaurant and plans to pursue a career as an actress.

Workshops on October 11 th included: public employment, entrepreneurship, running small businesses, career preparation, business etiquette, anti-discrimination laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, accommodations for people with disabilities; assistive technology, transportation, education and work-related training, transitioning from high school to adult life, employer needs and “hot” jobs of the future.

The second day of the conference featured a Business Forum with the keynote address was presented by Katherine O. McCary, Vice President of Sun Trust Banks, Inc., where she is responsible for the Accessing Community Talent (ACT) Program, dedicated to increasing the employment of people with disabilities in Sun Trust's workforce and increasing marketing opportunities for customers with disabilities. McCary is also President of the US Business Leadership Network, a national organization representing 5,000 businesses that work to educate employers on business and disability related concerns. The Business Forum included a panel discussion and a call to action for the business community.

This Governor's Conference also formally launched the New Jersey Business Leadership Network (NJ BLN).  NJ BLN is an employer-led endeavor that promotes best employment practices and enhances competitive employment opportunities for skilled job candidates with disabilities. NJ BLN is a program of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

In addition, the conference showcased a new national job board dedicated to including employees with disabilities in today's workforce. www.AccessibleEmployment.org is designed to provide employers with one central location to post employment positions and search resumes of qualified candidates with disabilities.  Potential job candidates can post their resumes for review by prospective employers who have made a commitment to include people with disabilities in their workforce.

Numerous New Jersey organizations are working in partnership with DHS to address the employment of people with disabilities; including, the New Jersey Departments of State; Labor and Workforce Development; Personnel; Education; Transportation; Community Affairs; the Employment and Training Commission and the Attorney General's Office. Public and state partnerships include: Rutgers University, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development; NJ Transit, UMDNJ, Elizabeth M. Boggs Center for Developmental Disabilities; NJ Institute of Technology; NJ Chamber of Commerce; the Mental Health Association of NJ; SW Unlimited LLC; Neighbors, Inc.; The Henry H. Kessler Foundation; NJ Centers for Independent Living; NJ Work Incentive Network Support; JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute; Middlesex County, Department of Human Services; Statewide Parent Advocacy Network; ACCSES NJ; Christopher Reeve Foundation; COSAC; Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey; Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey; Allies, Inc. and the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities.

###