DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 26, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Velda Bartel, (605) 773-5990

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

PIERRE, SD – Governor Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in South Dakota.

“Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities” is this year’s official theme for Disability Awareness Month, being observed nationwide.  The theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today’s global economy.

Each year, the Department of Human Services works with over 25,000 South Dakotans with disabilities.  We promote the highest level of independence while individuals develop fundamental job skills, transition into community employment, and establish new careers. 

In observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in South Dakota, a number of communities are hosting events:

October 3 – Pierre/Ft. Pierre, 9:00 – 12:00 (noon) at the SD Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center.  Featuring John Robinson - presenting “Get Off Your Knees – The John Robinson Story” and Celeste Warner presenting “Leadership and Self-Deception – A special workshop for the Leaders of Pierre/Ft. Pierre Area.  Registration is available online at: www.Pierre.org.  For more information, contact Bernie Grimme at (605) 773-3195. 

October 4 – Rapid City, two events will be held featuring John Robinson “Get Off Your Knees – The John Robinson Story”.  The first event will be held 11:30 am – 1:00 pm for SHRM representatives and the second event is open to the public at 5:30 pm at the Civic Center.  For more information, contact Marjorie Helgeson at (605) 394-2261.

October 4 – Mitchell, event will be held 10:45 – 11:45 am at the County Fair Banquet Hall featuring Geri Jewell, addressing “Celebrating Abilities”.  An awards luncheon will follow at 12:00 (noon).  For more information, contact Brenda Martin at (605) 995-8072.

October 4 – Milbank, event will be held at the Milbank Community Event Center at 6:00 pm.  An evening meal and dessert will be prepared and facilitated by individuals involved with the Human Service Agency in Milbank.  Geri Jewell will be the keynote speaker.  Planning involves professional and community members of the Grants Roberts Developmental Disabilities Support Services (GRDDSS).  For more information, contact Kimberly Hoberg at (605) 882-5150.

October 4 – Yankton, event will be held at the Human Services Center training center featuring Geri Jewell as keynote speaker from 8:00 – 8:45 am and an awards presentation will begin at 9:00 am.  DakotaLink will follow (9:30 – 11:30) providing an overview of work place accommodations and available assistive technology.  For more information, contact Jennifer Trenhaile at (605) 668-3050.

October 5 – Watertown, event will be held at 5:00 pm at the County Fair Foods Banquet Hall.  Guest speaker will be Geri Jewell who will address “Diversity in the Workplace”.  The Mayors Awards will follow; food and refreshments will be provided.  For more information, contact Gary Frentz at (605) 882-5150.

October 5 – Brookings, Kathy Hildebrandt (Bureau of Personnel) will speak on the topic of Customer Service/Personal Motivation, “The Fred Factor” from 8:30 – 11:45 am.  Geri Jewell will present that morning (9:30 – 11:15 am) at SDSU to Dr. Alan Davis’ class in Rehabilitation Counseling to SDSU faculty and students.  At noon, Geri Jewell will present on “Celebrating Abilities” at the Swiftel Center at the Will Luncheon.  The NDEAM Committee will also coordinate the awards ceremony with the Brookings Mayor’s Committee at the City Council meeting held the last Tuesday of the month at City Hall.  For additional information, contact Jerry Raabe at (605) 688-4280. 

October 6 – Madison, event will be held at 8:30 am at Nicky’s in Madison, brunch is available for guests who pre-register for a $5.00 fee.  Guest speaker will be Geri Jewell who will speak on “diversity in the Workplace”, the Mayors Awards will follow.  For more information, contact Nichole Franklin at (605) 688-4280.

October 17 – Sisseton, event is being planned at 6:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church (202 East Maple Street) to honor local employers and employees who participate in Project Skills.  Event will include supper and guest speaker.  For more information, contact Rachael Johnson at (605) 698-7445 or Ember Dady at (605) 698-7692. 

October 20 – Aberdeen, “Hub City Profits by Investing in Workers with Disabilities” training program to be held at 10:00 am – 12:00 (noon) speakers from DakotaLink, South Dakota Advocacy Services and other groups to talk about available services.  It will include an “Ask the Experts” question and answer panel and an awards luncheon will follow.  For more information, contact Laura Stoltenberg at (605) 626-2398. 

October 26 – Sioux Falls, Business Resource Network and Divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired will host an employer panel (8:30 – 10:00) addressing the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities during the Fall Conference.  Susan Schneider, Jackson Lewis Law Office, will provide a session (10:30 am – 12:00/noon) on “Navigating the Americans with Disabilities Act”.  Duane Salonen, a Dale Carnegie motivational speaker, will be the keynote for the luncheon.  For more information, contact Cindy Stewart at (605) 367-5330. 

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