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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 15 2024

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

DPHHS Hosting Disability Employment Conference

GREAT FALLS - Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras addressed participants today during the second annual Disability Employment Conference at the Great Falls College Heritage Hall.

“This conference is an excellent opportunity for Montana businesses to learn from experts about the value of employing individuals with disabilities,” Lt. Gov. Juras said. “There is a substantial talent pool in Montana already working, and many more who are eager to find employment.”

Chanda Hermanson of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD) said Montana businesses are very supportive of hiring individuals with disabilities.

“This conference provides Montana businesses with information related to the value of hiring individuals with disabilities and how to support behavioral health in today’s workforce,” Hermanson said.

Conference participants are learning 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). Service animals and changes in labor laws are also being discussed.

A total of 75 participants from 43 organizations signed up for the conference this year.

The Harkin Institute also gave a presentation on Wednesday on the topic of Competitive Integrated Employment. The presenters discussed 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 also explained how businesses that embrace disability inclusion create value for persons with disabilities within society as a whole.

As the DETD administrator, 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.

The conference concludes Thursday, May 16.