Individuals with disabilities make great employees

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time when we recognize individuals with disabilities who have shown others the way to community employment. In many respects, these people are trailblazers. For years, when people with disabilities did work, it was frequently in a sheltered workshop. Not anymore. These stalwart pioneers set an example for others to follow. Confidence breeds confidence. When people with disabilities see other people with disabilities working in the community and succeeding, they gain the confidence they need to seek jobs in the community. The activities around National Disability Employment Awareness Month at Blanchard Valley Center include a coffee chat to address the current workforce crisis. Individuals and employers are invited to participate on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the training center lobby at Blanchard Valley Center, 1700 E. Sandusky St., Findlay. We are inviting business representatives who are struggling to find employees to chat with us about solutions. We want to help them explore the option of hiring people with developmental disabilities. We want to discuss the benefits and resources available. The event also will include: • Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities will share the resources they have available, such as offering job coaches. • Individuals who are currently employed in the community will discuss their experience. • An employer will be on hand to discuss his experience with hiring people with developmental disabilities. • Individuals with developmental disabilities seeking employment will attend to meet potential employers. We hope that potential employers attend to meet these individuals face-to-face. Too often, people with developmental disabilities are the victims of resume bias. However, when you meet these incredible people, it's easy to see how they can be great employees. If you're interested in hiring one of the individuals we support, please contact us at 419-422-6387. Grisham is the superintendent of the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities.