Disability Conference May 11-13

A free opportunity for people with disabilities and employers is available in Great Falls in May at the upcoming Disability Employability Conference.

 Officials with the Supported Employment Leadership Network (SELN) said the conference is May 11-13, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Great Falls. Registration is free and closes Friday, April 22.

The event features keynote speaker Lt. Governor Mike Cooney who will present at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 12.

According to event organizers, the conference emphasizes the value of employees with disabilities both to employers and local communities. It also is designed to promote the opportunity of meaningful work in the lives of Montanans with disabilities.

“Being able to work helps instill pride in individuals with disabilities and the communities where they live,” said Kelly McNurlin of the DPHHS Developmental Disabilities Program. 

This conference will offer resources to help people with disabilities find jobs and to help employers identify capable workers to meet their business needs. 

The conference will provide valuable employment information through sessions from state experts as well as national speakers. The conference caters to job seekers with a disability, businesses/employers, parents, high school students with a disability, employment specialists and educators.

Continuing education credits for professionals are also offered at no cost. The event also includes door prizes and a vendor and job fair. Information on the sessions, as well as all of the registration information is at:  http://dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/EmployabilityConference

About Supported Employment Leadership Network

The SELN is a team of stakeholders from multiple state agencies, advocacy groups, parents of individuals with disabilities, service providers, and others. The SELN team advocates that all working-age individuals should have the opportunity to participate in meaningful work in integrated community employment, earn at least minimum or competitive wages, and enjoy the benefits of community employment. Through recommended systems change, the team tries to address barriers that make it difficult for our disabled population to enjoy the same financial, social, and emotional benefits of having a job in the community.