FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 26 2021
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936
Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391
DPHHS Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Panel discussion on vocational rehabilitation slated for October 27 at noon
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is hosting a virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, October 27 at noon as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
NDEAM is held every October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities in workplaces and the economy.
The panel discussion will focus on the Hearts of Glass documentary, a story of employment possibilities and community impact that is resonating with employers, job seekers, family members and service providers. The documentary follows the first 15 months of operation of Vertical Harvest based in Jackson, Wyoming — a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse that provides meaningful, inclusive employment for people with disabilities.
The panel discussion will include the Hearts of Glass director, current and former Vertical Harvest employees and Montana business representatives.
As part of the celebration, DPHHS has made the Hearts of Glass documentary available to Montanans for viewing. To watch the documentary, click here Hearts of Glass (showandtell.film)
The documentary weaves the story of company’s launch with the personal journeys of employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services program of DPHHS supports adult Montanans and youth with disabilities find employment opportunities, with the goal of competitive integrated employment. The program supports people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and advance in meaningful employment by providing a range of services based on an individual’s employment goals.
Currently, this program supports 2,000 individuals statewide who are at work in their community by offering career opportunities.
The theme for NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who: DPHHS Disability Employment and Transitions Division administrator Chanda Hermanson; Hearts of Glass Director Jennifer Tennican; Vertical Harvest co-founder Caroline Croft Estay; Vertical Harvest former employee Stephanie Sosa; Kathy Morse, Miles City Town Pump; Nathan Weidner, Glendive Town Pump
What: National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Panel Discussion
When: Noon, Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Where: Virtual through Zoom.