FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 15 2024
jebelt@mt.gov
Governor Gianforte Joins DPHHS in Celebrating Disability Mentoring Week
HELENA – Governor Greg Gianforte joined Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton to celebrate Disability Mentoring Week on Tuesday, October 15 by welcoming Helena High School student Layla Riggs to the Capitol and DPHHS offices.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and this year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” underscores the State of Montana’s commitment to ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in their chosen careers.
“I enjoyed spending time with Layla to learn about her career aspirations and plans for the future,” Governor Gianforte said. “I thank all businesses and professionals throughout the state who are taking the time this week to mentor Montana’s youth.”
After her meeting with the governor, Riggs spent time shadowing Dir. Brereton and speaking with various DPHHS officials to learn about the agency and its mission to “serve Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, and well-being, and empower independence.”
To celebrate NDEAM, DPHHS is hosting Disability Mentoring Week activities from October 14-18. This event serves as an ideal opportunity for Montana businesses and professionals to partner with DPHHS to provide career exploration and mentoring opportunities to youth with disabilities.
Approximately 95 students signed up to take part this year. They come from communities throughout Montana, including Alberton, Baker, Belt, Butte, East Helena, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Helena, Hamilton, Lockwood, and Missoula.
Components of Disability Mentoring Week include:
- Work-based Learning Experiences: Participants will be paired with experienced professionals in their field of interest for one-on-one mentoring sessions and hands-on learning experiences.
- Career Workshops: Interactive workshops will cover resume building, interview skills, and job search strategies.
- Panel Discussions: Industry leaders and advocates will discuss the importance of including persons with disabilities in the workplace.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with potential employers and peers.
- Awareness and Training: Employers will learn about disability awareness and inclusion.
“This week-long event highlights the great work our Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD) carries out every day of the year,” Dir. Brereton said. “We’re thankful for all of the local businesses who join us in celebrating the value and talent that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace.”
Disability Mentoring Week is not the only opportunity for professionals and businesses to provide mentoring and work-based learning experiences for students. DETD works year-round to pair youth and adults with job exploration opportunities and invites anyone interested in hosting a student to contact them for more information.
There are about 81,600 Montanans aged 18-64 with disabilities. This population is split among 35,000 Montanans with disabilities who are not in the labor force and 45,000 who are in the labor force and working. An additional 1,800 individuals are in the labor force, but unemployed.
For more information about Disability Mentoring Week and how to get involved, visit Disability Mentoring Week Form or contact Andrew Lowney (406) 210-2201, alowney@mt.gov; Jacob Kuntz (406) 890-5624, jkuntz3@mt.gov; or Cheri Reed-Anderson (406) 202-8830, creed@mt.gov.