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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 18 2024

Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov

DPHHS to Host Disability Employment Conference

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is hosting a Disability Employment Conference May 14-16 at the Great Falls College Heritage Hall.

“This conference will provide Montana businesses with information related to the value of hiring individuals with disabilities and how to support behavioral health in today’s workforce,” said Chanda Hermanson, administrator of the DPHHS Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD).

Conference participants will learn about the value of hiring people with disabilities, promoting mental health in the workplace, supporting employee wellness, integrating assistive technology, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Service animals and changes in labor laws will also be among the topics discussed.

The Harkin Institute will give a presentation on Competitive Integrated Employment during the event. The presenters will discuss how businesses that create an inclusive work environment for persons with disabilities are more innovative, have greater profitability, and enjoy long-term market opportunities. They will also explain how businesses that embrace disability inclusion create value for persons with disabilities within society as a whole.

Hermanson oversees the Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) program. VRBS connects individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities and provides them with the tools they need to be successful.

VRBS counselors work with businesses to find and retain qualified candidates, solve issues related to accessibility and technology, provide consultation on issues such as transportation, and deliver training on disability inclusion to empower businesses.

Hermanson said VRBS is here to help businesses who employ or want to employ individuals with disabilities.

“We support businesses with a wide array of services, resources, and solutions related to disability employment,” Hermanson said. “We also provide businesses no-cost assistance with recruiting skilled candidates, retaining staff, increasing accessibility, and accessing other resources that can save time and money.”

There are about 79,000 Montanans with disabilities ages 18-64. This population is split among 35,000 Montanans with disabilities who are not in the labor force and 41,000 who are in the labor force and working. The remaining 3,000 are in the labor force, but unemployed.

“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,” Hermanson said. “There is an untapped workforce that is ready and able to work and contribute to local businesses.”

The conference will kick off May 14 at 1 p.m. with two afternoon presentations, including AI in the Workplace and Addiction in the Workforce. The conference concludes at noon on Thursday, May 16.

There is no fee for the conference, but registration is required. Visit Business Services (mt.gov) to secure your seat and to view the full conference agenda.