During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Tennessee is working hard to provide opportunities for disabled residents who are looking for work.
The state is touting its “Employment First Task Force” to help those with physical and mental disabilities obtain jobs.
“Moments like this, programs like this, people like this – we have some of the most passionate people working in the state of Tennessee that I have ever known in my life,” Gov. Bill Lee (R) said in a promotion video for the program. “When we can be part of that safety net that provides an ability for hope to be manifested once again, then you have the ability to succeed. Every dignified human being has the ability to succeed.”
“Employment First & Community Inclusion goes beyond traditional Medicaid-reimbursed employment services, focusing on connecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to real jobs and their community using innovation and Enabling Technology as a way to address barriers,” according to the task force’s website.
The state has also launched a “Hire My Strengths” toolkit for Tennesseans to evaluate their skills and find potential employers looking to hire someone with those skills.
“Our campaign encourages anyone and everyone (with a disability or not) to think about what they’re good at,” according to the webpage for “Hire My Strengths.” “No matter what it is, if you’re good at it, there’s an employer who wants what you have to offer.”
Earlier this month, the state said it was partnering with CVS Pharmacy to provide job opportunities for disabled Tennesseans.
“In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is pleased to announce today that the Division of Rehabilitation Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program has partnered with CVS Health to offer a Pre-Apprenticeship Program in pharmacy technician through its Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna, TN,” the Tennessee Department of Human Services (THS) said.
“The program is currently available to students enrolled in the center through the VR program and is designed to integrate academic and technical classroom instruction with part-time work experience, offering Tennesseans with disabilities an opportunity to reach competitive, integrated employment in their communities of choice,” according to the department.
On October 24 and 25, the state will host job fairs in person and online for workers with disabilities to attend.
“At TDHS, we are focused on connecting Tennesseans with disabilities to resources that pave pathways to competitive, integrated employment and elevated levels of independence,” said Kevin Wright, assistant commissioner for TDHS’ Rehabilitation Services. “Over the last year, we are delighted to report that we have assisted more than 10,000 adults and 11,000 students with disabilities navigate their personal journey to employment, or exploration of employment and more than 3,000 businesses welcome their new talent.”
– – –
Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
