For Immediate Release
DPHHS Hosting Disability Employment Summit
Contact:
- DPHHS: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757, jebelt@mt.gov
HELENA, MT — Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras addressed participants in Helena during the fourth annual Disability Employment Summit held May 13-14 at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana.
“The summit is an excellent opportunity for Montana businesses to learn from experts about the value of employing individuals with disabilities,” Lt. Gov. Juras said. “Across Montana, people with disabilities are already contributing in numerous ways, and many more are ready and eager to put their talents to work for employers.”
The event also captures the spirit of Governor Greg Gianforte’s 406 JOBS initiative. Established via Executive Order in August 2025, this strategy is designed to modernize Montana’s workforce infrastructure and ensure that every Montanan has a clear pathway to employment.
Chanda Hermanson, administrator for 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.
“The event is about ensuring Montana’s industries have the skilled talent they need to compete in a global economy,” Hermanson said. “By showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of Montanans with disabilities and celebrating the successes of our local employers, we are demonstrating that hiring people with disabilities is a strategic business imperative that delivers long‑term value for our state.”
Hermanson said participants are gaining insights into the value of hiring people with disabilities, the role of disability employment in Montana’s future economy, and effective strategies for supporting employee wellness.
The summit also offers guidance on navigating workplace accommodations, perspectives from youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities, apprenticeship opportunities, and business leaders who are setting the standard for workforce practices.
More than 50 participants from 35 organizations signed up for the conference this year.
The Harkin Institute also gave a presentation on Wednesday on Competitive Integrated Employment. The presenters discussed how businesses that provide effective support and opportunities for people with disabilities are more innovative, more profitable, and enjoy long-term market advantages. They also emphasized that when businesses actively engage people with disabilities in the workforce, it creates value not only for employees but also for the broader workforce.
As the DETD administrator, Hermanson oversees the Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) program. VRBS connects individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities and provides the tools they need to succeed.
VRBS staff work with businesses to find and retain qualified candidates, address accessibility and technology issues, provide transportation consultation, and deliver disability inclusion training to empower businesses.
Hermanson said VRBS is here to help businesses that 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. “Our team provides no-cost assistance to help employers recruit skilled candidates, retain quality staff, improve workplace accessibility, and access tools that save time and money.”
There are about 79,000 Montanans with disabilities aged 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, strengthening our communities, powering our workforce, and driving Montana’s economy forward,” Hermanson said.
Tags: News and Workforce and Training