“Experience teaches a lot of us with disabilities that we’re not necessarily going to be welcomed.  The ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] mandates physical access – ramps, etc. – but doesn’t mandate that employers give us a shot.  We need to make it happen,” said Hall.  He continued, “I don’t know if I’d call my disability a gift, but it’s helped me see many things more clearly.  I recognize that the biggest losses aren’t physical – the loss of sight or a limb – but rather the loss of hope and opportunity.  Every individual with a disability deserves the chance for meaningful employment.”

Governor Jim Douglas stated, “Why is it important that we create a successful transition for young adults with disabilities?  Because now and in the future, the Vermont economy will need every qualified job seeker to meet the needs of the business community.”

“The Vermont Department of Labor projects that between 2003 and 2008 Vermont will need to replace a total of 39,000 workers and find an additional 17,000 qualified people to fill new jobs,” noted Secretary of Administration Mike Smith.  “Young people with disabilities who have appropriate skills and training are a labor pool that can help fill the gap.”

Agency of Human Services (AHS) Secretary Cynthia LaWare discussed the services available through Vermont agencies, departments and organizations such as Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Labor, the Division of Mental Health, Adult Basic Education, local private or non-profit agencies and other community services such as student clubs and youth organizations.  She also discussed the supports needed for youth with disabilities in order to successfully move to the world of work or post secondary education/training.

LaWare went on to say, “It is important for youth with disabilities to transition successfully because they have the same hopes and dreams as any other youth and they want to make a contribution.  When we support them in this effort, youth with disabilities will be successful, they will actively participate in our communities and they will contribute to the economic growth and success of Vermont.”

Nate Besio discussed the support of his family, his school and his community and the impact this support has had on his success.  His advice to both youth in transition and to Vermont employers was, “Focus on your ability not your disability – concentrate on what you can do.”  

The morning “Working Summit” included breakout sessions with participants to brainstorm ways to improve services for youth with disabilities and build the necessary community supports.  These recommendations will be forwarded on to Governor Douglas.

At the afternoon summit, Phil Daniels, President of TD Banknorth, lead company of the Business Leadership Network, discussed the Network’s efforts to encourage Vermont employers to hire more individuals with disabilities; Nate Besio and other young adults with disabilities led a youth panel; Robert David Hall addressed Summit participants, and Senator Jim Jeffords was given a tribute for his many years of successful work on behalf of Vermonters and all individuals with disabilities.

Governor Douglas also presented the following awards from the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities:

• Employment and Accommodation Award – Alice Dermody, Aramark Food Services, Randolph Center, Vermont
• Employment and Accommodation Award – Susan Chicoine, TD Banknorth, Burlington, Vermont and Charles LeTourneau, TD Banknorth, Bennington, Vermont
• Design and Accessibility Award – Mark Steward, MGS Architects of Newport, Vermont
• Governor’s Award for Outstanding Effort – Perry Richards, Elizabeth Kafer and April Tuck, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont

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