State health officials are reaching out to young people with disabilities to try to include them in the workforce.
As a guest host of the governor’s weekly message, state health secretary Rita Landgraf mentioned 21-year-old Wilmington man Jakai Walker.
Walker was recently hired at Delaware Park Casino and his parents say he’s happy to have a job where he feels needed.
“We know there are many more young people like Jakai who could benefit from the services of Pathways to Employment to fulfill their passions and reach their full potential," Landgraf said.
Nearly 250 people with disabilities have enrolled in Pathways to Employment, which provides job and financial coaching, among other services.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaYqGckL65k&feature=youtu.be
You can find the full transcript of the governor's weekly message below:
Last week, Governor Markell and I joined young people with disabilities, their parents and advocates as we celebrated the success of Pathways to Employment.
Pathways supports young people age 14 to 25 as they make their transition from school to the world of work.
Inspired by Governor Markell’s commitment to advancing employment opportunities for people of all abilities, the Department of Health and Social Services started Pathways about a year ago as the first program of its kind in the country.
With financial support from our Medicaid program, we’re helping reduce the barriers to employment through such services as assistive technology, career exploration and personal care.
We’re grateful for the strong support we’ve received from the Delaware Department of Labor’s Division for Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Education and, of course, from employers across our state who have recognized that their organizations are stronger when they embrace the skills and talents of all of our people.
Last week, we celebrated enrolling 248 young people in Pathways, including 21-year-old Jakai Walker. Jakai was hired in August by the Casino at Delaware Park to work in its Food and Beverage Department. Jakai’s mother said the kitchen is the one area he has loved since grade school.
We know there are many more young people like Jakai who could benefit from the services of Pathways to Employment to fulfill their passions and reach their full potential.
To learn about eligibility, call 1-800-223-9074 or visit the DHSS website. As Governor Markell said last week, hiring people with disabilities isn’t about charity.
It’s about maximizing everyone’s gifts and talents. That’s why you have our commitment to keep advancing employment opportunities for all individuals with disabilities as we keep Delaware moving forward.
