Third Annual Mid-Hudson Diversity Job Fair

The 3rd Annual Diversity Job Fair began with a breakfast workshop for participating employers. Steve Miccio, Executive Director of PEOPLe, Inc., himself an individual with a disability, gave the keynote address, which was followed by brief presentations that included employment success stories. JoAnne Nanton, author and human services professional, spoke about the transportation challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, like herself, or those who use wheelchairs. Additionally, JoAnne explained how she succeeded in overcoming that barrier through ride sharing.

Susan Kuhn of Independent Home Care, Inc. gave several examples of how individuals with disabilities had been successful working with the home care agency. “Because of their personal experience living with their disabilities, these personal care aides were already problem solvers and they had enormous amounts of patience and compassion. An aide with an anxiety disorder is using what she has learned to help control her anxiety to help clients who also are affected by anxiety.”

Representatives from the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) and ACCES-VR (formerly VESID) also provided information about employment incentives.

The day was successful for all who participated: 230 job seekers attended the job fair, and more than thirty percent of them were hired by the 25 employers who had set up informational booths. Participating Employers