You may not realize it, but the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities is currently supporting 77 individuals with disabilities to maintain competitive employment right here in our local community. Through strong partnerships with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and local businesses, we’re seeing more people with disabilities contributing their talents in meaningful ways.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month — a perfect time to celebrate the benefits of inclusive hiring. According to Ohio Employment First’s website, 62% of individuals with disabilities stay in the same job for three years or more, and 90% perform as well as or better than their peers without disabilities.
When individuals are matched with jobs that fit their skills, everyone wins. Local employers are discovering that people with disabilities bring reliability, dedication and valuable perspectives to the workplace.
At SCBDD, our staff works closely with individuals to connect them to the right resources and supports, including direct assistance and referrals to agencies like OOD. We also run a work experience camp in the summer to help prepare young people who are preparing to enter the world of work.
If you’re a business interested in learning more about hiring or if you’d like to explore our services, contact Jeff Coaty at 937-498-8155. To stay connected and see how inclusion is making a difference in Shelby County, follow us on social media.
The writer is the superintendent of the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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