HARTFORD — The 2nd Annual AllWorkCT Competitive Integrated Employment (CTPIE) Forum will be held at BeanZ & Co. in Avon this week. The event is designed to match private and nonprofit employers with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and companies.
The statewide forum will take place at 11 East Main St. in Avon on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hosted by CTPIE, Connecticut Pathways to Competitive Integrated Employment, with support from the Connecticut Department of Aging & Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), the AllWorkCT Forum aims to ensure people with IDD have equal opportunities to enter the Connecticut workforce.
“Employers across Connecticut are recognizing the value of a competitive integrated workforce, and this forum is about showing them the resources, support, and success stories to make that vision a reality,” said Amy Porter, state Department of aging and disability services commissioner. “We are building pathways to ensure individuals with IDD have the same opportunities to contribute their skills in Connecticut’s workforce.”
The forum will be led by the MC Keith McGilvery, The Good News Guy, former Emmy-nominated Fox61 morning anchor and long-time advocate for CIE in the state. The forum will feature speakers and panel participants, including successful CIE employers, along with disability service providers.
“We have a trained, willing, and able workforce of job-ready individuals with IDD and many unfilled positions within Connecticut,” said David Doukas, director of the state Department of Aging & Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. “Now is the time for employers to open CIE opportunities for these young people — and BRS is here to help with free services and customized supports throughout hiring and employment to ensure successful long-term hires.”
The forum is open to Connecticut employers and human resource professionals in organizations and businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. Free registration and additional information are available at Eventbrite and on AllWorkCT.com.
AllWorkCT is a statewide initiative dedicated to expanding career opportunities and supporting individuals with IDD in achieving competitive integrated employment. The annual forum builds on last year’s successful inaugural event, which drew participants from across sectors committed to advancing employment equity. Founding AllWorkCT partners include BeanZ & Co.; Connecticut Department of Aging & Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services; Favarh, The Arc of the Farmington Valley; and Mintz + Hoke.
