JOBS TALK

Asst. Secy of Labor Addresses Employment

Espanol

Asst. Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) Kathy Martinez, second from left and Abilities CEO John Kemp appear with Viscardi school students, left to right, Nerissa Johnson, Tenzin Sangmo and Gabi Jassie in the gymnasium where Martinez is about to address the student body.

Martinez visited Abilities recently and spent time addressing both the business community and the students and staff of the Henry Viscardi School. Martinez told business people of the challenges and benefits of advancing employment for people with disabilities. Blind from birth, she told of her journey as a disabled person in the work world.

Later in the day Martinez spoke to a gymnasium full of young people and staff about career building and technology, social media and education.

She emphasized that “disabled children need to know they are expected to achieve,” and spoke of the benefits of visiting the DOL website, www.dol.gov/odep, which offers information about programs and paths to employment.