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“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly
disguised as impossible situations.”
— Charles R. Swindoll
According to Jan Eblen, director of Industries and Vocational Services for LifeSkills, nearly 1 in 5 Americans is living with a disability.
“That adds up to quite a large number of individuals in our community,” Eblen says. “Many of these people have a variety of skills and abilities to offer to employers ... but for most businesses, this population remains as an untapped resource, in terms of job applicants.”
Staff members of LifeSkills Community Employment Services are constantly looking for opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enter the competitive work force. “We are extremely proud of the 42 businesses that currently employ people from our program, but would certainly like to see that number grow,” Eblen says.
Success for this program comes in many forms. “We were thrilled to note in our 2009 Annual Report that the average income paid to people working in supported employment was higher than minimum wage,” Eblen says. “Also, in spite of the economic crunch, our job placement numbers have actually increased.”
The people supported by LifeSkills’ program truly value the job experience. And, according to Eblen, the advantages that businesses receive for participating in the program make the experience rewarding for all.
Some reasons why businesses may want to seriously consider expanding their search for job applicants to include people with disabilities include:
“We are always hoping to expand career opportunities for our clients,” Eblen says. “Although our list of job titles is quite extensive, we would love to see it broaden and branch out.”
Some businesses have been working extra hard to promote the employment of people with disabilities, and Eblen would like to extend a special note of appreciation to: Community Action of Southern Kentucky, Rivendell, The Medical Center, Barren County High School, McDonald’s and Jr. Food Stores.
“We want businesses to know that we are here and ready and willing to partner with them,” Eblen adds. “If anyone is interested, they just need to give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to come out to discuss the possibilities. There is no charge, and no obligation.”
If you are interested in learning more about this program, or scheduling a visit from one of the Community Employment representatives, call (270) 901-5000, ext. 1243.
— Maureen Mahaney coordinates public information for LifeSkills Inc., a nonprofit, behavioral health care corporation that plans for and serves the people of southcentral Kentucky in three main areas: mental health, addiction and intellectual disabilities. Her column appears monthly.
