Representatives Vos and Craig Celebrate Disability Employment Awareness at Waterford Senior Living

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2014

Contact: Beth Moss, 608-266-5038 office, 608-215-0466 cell, Beth.Moss@Wisconsin.gov

Madison, WI – Clearing tables, washing dishes and setting up for a lunch crowd are not generally part of a legislator’s job description, but Mike Firorita, Brandon Ernst and Danyelle Smith with Waterford Senior Living recently had the opportunity to put their legislators to work doing just that.

It was all part of the Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign, organized each year by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD). The campaign coordinates visits between legislators and their constituents with disabilities. During the visit, the representatives witnessed community-integrated employment in action and learned more about the value it brings to the employee, employer and greater community.

“I want to thank the Waterford Senior Living. I enjoyed meeting some wonderful individuals there. It was nice to see such enthusiasm when it comes to getting the job done. My visit once again reinforced the importance of giving individuals with a disability the chance to find careers and help our economy grow,” stated Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).

BPDD notes that when people with disabilities work in the community at a competitive wage, they are less likely to rely on publicly-funded programs. And, 87% of customers say they would prefer to patronize businesses that employ people with disabilities.

“Each time I participate in “Take Your Legislator to Work Day” it is inspiring to see an individual reach their true potential in the workforce. As a member of the legislature, I will continue to work diligently to ensure that anyone who is willing to work has the opportunity to do so,” said Representative Craig (R-Town of Vernon).

Currently in Wisconsin, only 6% of people with a Developmental Disability are employed in integrated jobs in the community.

Next Step Life Coach Connie Lelivelt, who coaches with Firorita, Ernst and Smith, emphasized, “Building self-confidence, self-esteem and social connections while educating the public are just a few benefits that my clients experience on a daily basis working out in the community. It is my goal to expose them to many different work experiences as well as educate the businesses and public about those who are differently-abled. Together, we can work together and make a difference in the world.”

To learn more visit http://www.wi-bpdd.org. High-resolution images are available on request.

BPDD is dedicated to improving the independence, productivity, and integration of people with developmental disabilities. It was established to advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, foster welcoming and inclusive communities, and improve the disability service system.