October: National Disability employment Awareness Month

A countrywide campaign in October brought to the forefront the successes of employees with disabilities. The theme for 2005 National Disability Employment Awareness Month was “Workers with Disabilities: Ready for Tomorrow’s Jobs Today.”

The theme emphasized how valuable people with disabilities are to the current workforce and to the country's future economic successes.

"In Butler County, people with disabilities are and will continue to be an important part of the labor pool," says Mark Miller, Employment Supports Coordinator for the Butler County Board of MRDD. "In 2004, individuals being served by the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities earned an estimated $2 million dollars in wages." 

Individuals with disabilities are showcasing their talents and skills throughout Butler County in numerous employment positions. They are giving back to their communities by being local tax paying citizens.

The Butler County MRDD programs have individuals with disabilities working for several Butler County Offices including the Auditor's Office, Clerk of Courts, Engineer's Office, Probate Court, and Records Center. 

Also, individuals are employed by Cincinnati Insurance Companies, Miami University, Beckett Ridge Country Club, Ace Tex, Cincinnati Mills, and local restaurants, supermarkets and nursing homes throughout the county. 
The Butler County MRDD programs partner with several local agencies to employee individuals with disabilities. Partner agencies include Abilities First Foundation, Butler Behavioral Health, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Goodwill Industries of Miami Valley, Inclusive Solutions, Inc., Jewish Vocational Services, Miami Valley Industries, Inc., and the Rehabilitation Services Commission.

On Thursday, October 20, the Butler County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Brian Simmons, Butler County MRDD participant and employee with the Butler County Records Center through a contract with Inclusive Solutions, Inc., declaring October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Rhonda Freeze, Director of the Butler County Records Center stated at the Commissioner's meeting that Brian is doing an outstanding job and is dedicated to it. 

"The Butler County Board of MRDD's tag line is 'Together, we are the Community' and the success of our program lies with those individuals who recognize and believe in this," says Christina Hurr, MRDD Superintendent. "The MRDD programs are always impressed by the warmth and acceptance that the Butler County community shows to people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities."