Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is hosting its first Disability Employment Conference in Butte, Montana. The event, which began on May 30 and will conclude on June 1, takes place at the Hotel Finlen.

Chanda Hermanson from the DPHHS Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD) highlighted the conference's focus. "The conference is providing employers in Montana with valuable information related to recruitment, hiring, training, advancing, and retaining individuals with disabilities in the workplace," she said.

Lt. Governor Kristen Juras delivered opening remarks at the conference. Following her address was a presentation by Mentra, a company dedicated to assisting employers in hiring neurodiverse individuals such as those with autism or dyslexia.

Topics discussed at the conference include neurodiversity recruitment, mental health in the workplace, service animals in work settings, tax credits for hiring people with disabilities, and wrongful discharge issues.

Hermanson also oversees the Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) program. This initiative connects individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities while equipping them for success. She noted that there are approximately 72,000 Montanans aged 18-64 with disabilities. Of these individuals, about 36,000 are not part of the labor force while 32,000 are employed within it. Another 4,000 are actively seeking employment.

VRBS provides support to businesses aiming to employ individuals with disabilities by offering services like accessibility solutions and disability inclusion training. Hermanson stated VRBS's commitment: "We can help Montana’s businesses with their staffing and recruitment needs," she said.

The conference is set to conclude on Thursday.