Maine's CHOICES CEO Project
Fall 2008 Conferences on Disability and Employment
The Power of Work!
On September 23 and 24, the Power of Work! disability and employment conference was be held at the Augusta Civic Center. The conference (organized by the CHOICES CEO project in partnership with Maine’s Commission on Disability and Employment) offered two days of information exchange and networking about disability and employment in Maine.
The first day was for service providers and the second day was for job seekers and workers with disabilities.
Denise Bissonette was the keynote speaker on both days. Denise is an inspiring and informative speaker who spoke two years ago at the “Future of Maine’s Economy” conference about connecting all workers — and particularly workers with disabilities — with work that they are good at and that leads to satisfaction and success.
Day 1 - September 23rd: The Art of Creating Opportunity
Tuesday’s session was primarily intended for people who work in the agencies and organizations that provide employment support services for workers with disabilities. The day emphasized tools and resources that these agencies can use to help people with disabilities find and keep good jobs. More information on Day 1 can be found by going to this page.
Day 2 - September 24th: The Power of Work: Beyond Barriers
Wednesday’s session was primarily for job seekers and workers with disabilities. The day provided information on where to find good jobs, what employers are looking for, and programs and services for job searches and career development. More information on Day 2 can be found by going to this page.
The first part of the day included the first of several Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) to occur in Maine. These community events are being held by the Maine Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program—a benefits counseling program of the Social Security Administration that is based at Maine Medical Center. People with disabilities who collect Social Security benefits and their families can attend a WISE seminar to learn more about work incentives. Employers, Vocational Rehabilitation, Protection and Advocacy Services, Employment Networks and other employment program representatives are being invited to attend. For information on WISE seminars being held elsewhere in Maine, contact David Dubay at (207) 662–4387 or DUBAYD@mmc.org..
Photos of these events will be available here shortly.
September 23 (Tuesday ) - Provider Day Organized to address the needs and interests of people who work in agencies and organizxations that provide employment supports for workers with disabilities.
September 24 (Wednesday) - Job Seeker/Worker Day. Organized to address the needs and interests of job seekers and workers with disabilities.
