Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
We believe that a truly strong workforce is one that values the talent and potential of every individual. That’s why we work to honor the invaluable contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and highlight opportunities and resources for employers to include their individuals in their workforce — both during the just-ended National Disability Employment Awareness Month and year-round. As the heads for the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department, we share a common mission of helping South Carolinians — including those with disabilities — find meaningful employment and helping businesses hire skilled talent. In October, our teams joined together to celebrate the annual observance with people, businesses and partners across the state through multiple events and outreach activities. In addition to hosting hiring events for individuals with disabilities, our agencies joined the Spartanburg mayor’s annual Walk and Roll, which unites community members in a downtown walk/roll, highlighting the significance of accessibility. The Vocational Rehabiliation Department hosted job shadowing events for Disability Mentoring Day across the state and participated in the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Association’s annual conference. While we each attended other engagements separately throughout the month, another event we attended together was a visit to the University of South Carolina Aiken’s LIFE program (Learning Is For Everyone), a certificate program offered through many of the state’s higher education institutions. By providing a college experience for individuals with disabilities while focusing on independence and community engagement, the program prepares students for vocational opportunities after graduation. Our agencies’ work to ensure that South Carolinians with disabilities and employers have access to the resources and support they need extends well beyond October. The Vocational Rehabilitation Department offers a wide range of individualized services that help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. For instance, employers can work with the department to build customized training, specific to their business. This helps the onboarding for employers, as new employees come in the door knowing exactly how to begin work and provide value. There are also job retention services, tax breaks, and contract opportunities. In addition to the direct services, the department also helps with activities such as adaptive driving and vehicle services to ensure that workers have appropriate transportation. At the Department of Employment and Workforce, we are focused on creating connections between people, employers, training and services. In addition to educating employers about the benefits and practical steps of hiring individuals with disabilities, we administer jobseeker programs tailored to eligible South Carolinians with disabilities. One example is the Ticket to Work program, which aims to help Social Security Disability Insurance recipients and Supplemental Security Income recipients work toward financial independence. We also have dedicated staff who work with and manage cases of veterans with disabilities, helping these individuals find education, training and job opportunities while providing additional support via SC Works partners, such as transitional housing and other resources to overcome employment barriers. As members of the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development, our agencies are able to align strategically with other organizations invested in the efficiency of South Carolina’s education and employment system. Through unified efforts, we work to ensure that all talent is included in the workforce, strengthening our state’s businesses and economy. While we have had a busy month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is not just a commemorative observance to be forgotten until next October. It’s a call to action. When we open doors to opportunity, we build a workforce that reflects the strength, talent and value of every South Carolinian.
