Fair highlights job opportunities for disabled
• ACHIEVE Human Services
• Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Arizona Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation Services Administration
• Yuma Union High School District
• Cenpatico of Arizona
• Linkages
• Services Maximizing Independent Living Empowerment (SMILE)
• Yuma County Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (YCIPTA)
• ARION Care Solutions
• Yuma Private Industry Corporation (YPIC)
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ACHIEVE Human Services is hosting Yuma's first annual DREAM Faire, an employment fair for individuals with disabilities.
The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at ACHIEVE's corporate headquarters in the Governance Hall, 3220-B E. 40th St.
The DREAM Faire will highlight job opportunities and employment support systems for individuals with disabilities. “DREAM” stands for Disability and Rehabilitation Employment Month.
Businesses and organizations will set up booths to recruit for any open positions and explain employment opportunities to fair attendees. Local companies are invited to participate as exhibitors; the deadline to sign up is Oct. 17.
“It's a collaboration with the community to bring awareness to people with disabilities,” Anna Hemmer, ACHIEVE human resources manager, explained.
The event will also serve to educate the public about the services offered by ACHIEVE.
“We teach them how to work and help them get employed elsewhere in the community,” Hemmer said.
Clients work in various fields, including janitorial, document destruction, landscaping, car washes and with farm animals.
ACHIEVE currently has contracts with Border Patrol and Yuma Private Industry Corporation (YPIC), among other organizations.
“We're giving them a chance to grow and learn to work. We hope it will open doors to them and give them opportunities,” Hemmer said.
In addition, business owners may join a breakout session from 12-1 p.m. to find out more about tax credits available to businesses that hire individuals with disabilities.
The breakout session schedule is:
• 10 a.m. - Special work accommodations and supports for people with disabilities
• 10:30 a.m. - Community-based services and supports for behavioral health
• 11 a.m. – Social Security benefits counseling
•12 p.m. – Tax advantages for business employing individuals with disabilities
• 1 p.m. – DES enrollment process
There is no fee for fair exhibitors or attendees. Beverages and light snacks, prepared by employees with disabilities, will be served throughout the day.
“We have a deli and they make sandwiches and prepare food every day. It will be available at minimal cost,” Hemmer said. For more information on this event or to register as an exhibitor, please contact Anna Hemmer at ahemmer@achievehs.org or 928-341-4118.
