Program on benefits of hiring people with disabilities

DAYTON—On Oct. 7, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution making October National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This was done in order to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities.

As stated in the resolution, activities during October will reinforce the value and talent of people with disabilities in the workplace and in the community, and affirm Columbia County’s commitment to an inclusive community.

On Oct. 27 at 5:00 p.m. Jim Corey, Senior Program Manager of Washington Initiative for Supported Employment, will visit the Delany Room at Dayton Memorial Library to network with local business owners and other interested parties about the ways to tap into the local disability workforce, and the reasons for doing so.

According to WISE, the third largest market segment in the United States is made up of people with disabilities, and they are 54 million strong. Their research shows that consumers favor businesses that employ people with disabilities. And Washington State is attributed to be one of the nation’s leaders in working with differently-abled people, their families, employers and the social service system.

For more information contact Walla Walla Human Services Advisory Board Representative for Columbia County Marj Johnston at: (509) 382-2471 or pastormarj@gmail.com.