EAST HANOVER, N.J., October 27, 2016 – Today Alice Hunnicutt, Director of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), joined Kessler Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Rodger DeRose and Acting Human Services Commissioner Elizabeth Connolly in offering welcoming remarks at the Kessler Foundation’s 11^th Annual Symposium for Grantees. The symposium coincided with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed annually in October to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and educate about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

The theme of the event was “How to Use Data to Drive Evaluation and Improve Employment Practices and Outcomes.” The state Labor Department has increasingly relied on labor market data to drive the state’s workforce investments. The department recently announced the release of its first Industry-Valued Credentials List, compiled by the department’s labor market analysts with extensive input from employers, educators and workforce development professionals to identify the 198 credentials and degrees deemed most in-demand in the state. The state has committed to using the list to direct occupational training dollars toward the most in-demand and effective workforce and education programs.

In 2011, the department launched the Talent Networks to develop industry intelligence and create high-quality, employer-driven partnerships in the industry sectors that employ more than two-thirds of New Jersey workers and pay more than two-thirds of wages earned annually.

The Kessler Foundation partners with DVRS to assist individuals with disabilities to secure sustainable employment. DVRS is the central state agency for assisting people with disabilities to connect with employers. Individuals are encouraged to connect with local DVRS offices positioned throughout the state to meet with counselors who will work with them to find, obtain and keep the right job.

Employers and job-seekers interested in learning about the programs and services offered by the state Labor Department’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services can visit careerconnections.nj.gov/DVRS.