Young adults met with potential employers, received job-hunting tips, and heard from peers who are working in competitive employment as part of Special Olympics Minnesota’s Inclusive Career & Resource Fair at the University of Minnesota’s Huntington Bank Stadium.
The March 25 event also featured a panel discussion about higher education and job opportunities in Minnesota. Panelist Mary Hauff, director of the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (MIHEC) at the Institute on Community Integration, shared some of MIHEC’s work to expand college options for students with intellectual disability.
“In Minnesota, we have 1,000 students completing 12th grade every year, but we only have capacity for about 90 students with intellectual disability to attend college,” she said. “Minnesota has a large percentage of jobs requiring a post-secondary credential. Individuals with intellectual disability need to have the opportunity to pursue a credential and the career of their choice.”
The panel included job coaches and young adults with disabilities who are working in competitive employment. They shared inspiration and tips, encouraging attendees to learn more about their career interests and pursue jobs in the community.
In the keynote speech, David Kaetterhenry shared his journey from working at Culver’s restaurant to working in a meat market and, with a friend, opening Greater Tater, a popular food truck that debuted at last year’s Minnesota State Fair.
“Those were some of the hardest days of my life. I usually came home smelling like a deep fryer. I left early in the morning and got home late at night, but everyone was so friendly,” he said. “There have been bumps in the road, but I’ve learned to keep going, no matter what. To be successful, I need to always be friendly and professional. Dream big, stick with your dreams, and stay close to your friends and family.”
Several ICI staff members offered attendees resume help, and nearly two dozen other vendors from around the Twin Cities staffed booths highlighting inclusive employment services and opportunities.
The free event was sponsored by Special Olympics Minnesota and Accord, a Saint Paul disability services provider.
“Today is about bringing students out to give them the resources to learn about inclusive higher education and inclusive employment,” said Zak Armstrong, senior college and transition programs manager at Special Olympics Minnesota. “I think we’ve shown attendees today that there are other individuals with disabilities who have broken down barriers to employment and post-secondary education, and that they have these options as well.”
Jessica Kirk, who accompanied a group of students from the SAIL Transition program in Minnetonka, said experiences like the career fair help students envision their futures.
“So many businesses in our community are welcoming our graduates,” she said, reflecting on what she feels are improving attitudes about hiring workers with disabilities.
Sophie Battis, a SAIL student who attended the career fair, has already worked in a coffee shop and is looking forward to future employment.
“I love people and customers, and I love fashion,” she said when asked to pitch herself as an employee. “I’m a little shy, but I work hard, and I like being independent.”
View Original Article: https://ici.umn.edu/news/envisioning-futures-ici-participates-in-career-fair
