Big Sky Times

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and this year's theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," emphasizes the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ (DPHHS) dedication to providing equal career opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In celebration of NDEAM, DPHHS is organizing Disability Mentoring Week from October 14-18. This event aims to facilitate partnerships between Montana businesses and DPHHS to offer career exploration and mentoring opportunities for youth with disabilities.

“This week-long event highlights the work our Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD) carries out every day of the year,” stated DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton. “We’re thankful for all of the local businesses who join us in celebrating the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to the workplace.”

The activities during Disability Mentoring Week will largely occur within schools attended by participating students. Approximately 95 students from various communities across Montana have registered for this year's events. Communities represented include Alberton, Baker, Belt, Butte, East Helena, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Hamilton, Lockwood, and Missoula.

Alex King from Libby High School shared his experience: “During last summer’s work-based learning experience, I learned a lot about information technology.” Another participant, Anjle Cobler from Paw Paw Dog Grooming in Missoula expressed her enjoyment in “helping and learning entrepreneurship while grooming and making dogs look brand-new.”

Disability Mentoring Week is just one avenue through which professionals can provide mentoring experiences. DETD works throughout the year pairing youth and adults with job exploration opportunities. They encourage those interested in hosting a student to reach out for more details.

In Montana, there are about 81,600 individuals aged 18-64 living with disabilities. Of these individuals, approximately 35,000 are not part of the labor force while around 45,000 are employed within it. An additional 1,800 are seeking employment.

“Our goal is to ensure Montanans of all abilities have the opportunity to reach their full potential as members of our state’s community workforce and economy,” said DETD administrator Chanda Hermanson. “There is an untapped workforce that is ready and able to work and contribute to local businesses.”

For further information on how to participate in Disability Mentoring Week or related inquiries contact Andrew Lowney at (406) 210-2201 or alowney@mt.gov; Jacob Kuntz at (406) 890-5624 or jkuntz3@mt.gov; or Cheri Reed-Anderson at (406) 202-8830 or creed@mt.gov.