Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will be hosting a Disability Employment Conference from May 14-16 at the Great Falls College Heritage Hall. The conference aims to provide valuable information to Montana businesses on the importance of hiring individuals with disabilities and supporting behavioral health in the workforce.
Chanda Hermanson, administrator of the DPHHS Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD), emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "Our goal is to ensure Montanans of all abilities have the opportunity to reach their full potential as members of our state’s community, workforce, and economy.”
The conference will cover various topics including the value of hiring people with disabilities, promoting mental health in the workplace, integrating assistive technology, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Additionally, service animals, changes in labor laws, and the presentation on Competitive Integrated Employment by The Harkin Institute will be discussed.
Hermanson highlighted the support that DPHHS offers to businesses in employing individuals with disabilities, stating, "We support businesses with a wide array of services, resources, and solutions related to disability employment.” She added, “We also provide businesses no-cost assistance with recruiting skilled candidates, retaining staff, increasing accessibility, and accessing other resources that can save time and money.”
With approximately 79,000 Montanans with disabilities aged 18-64, the conference aims to address the untapped potential of this workforce. Hermanson emphasized the readiness and ability of individuals with disabilities to work and contribute to local businesses.
The conference, starting on May 14 at 1 p.m., will feature presentations on AI in the Workplace and Addiction in the Workforce. Registration for the conference is free but mandatory, and interested individuals can secure their seat and view the full agenda at Business Services (mt.gov).
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